At the same time, 2002 is Wifredo Lam's birth centenary and death twentieth anniversary.
For the occasion, the Credito Valtellinese Group gallery is hosting 'Wifredo Lam: Cuba- Italia, un percorso', an exhibition of the best works by Cuban artist Wifredo Lam (born in Sagua La Grande in 1902 - died in Paris in 1982), which has been mounted with the co-operation of his family.
The exhibition focuses in particular on the Italian period with paintings, ceramics and graphic works from Lam family collections, as well as from private collections and major museums.
From the 1950s onwards, in fact, Lam worked in Italy and became very close friend and artistic associate with Manzoni, Baj, Crippa and Fontana. He then settled in Albissola, where he worked with Ceramiche S.Giorgio. In Milan, he worked as engraver with Upiglio printing works.
Wifredo Lam got involved in crucial events of the 20th century historical background.
He joined the Republican party and took part in fighting during the Civil War in Spain. After the victory of the Falangists, he moved to Paris where he met Pablo Picasso and the Surrealists.

Retrospective exhibitions were mounted after his death. Not to be forgotten are those which were hosted at Paris Musèe d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris in 1982 and 1983, Museo Nazionale de La Havana in 1989 and Madrid Centro Reina Sofia in 1992. Other events were promoted by Barcelona 'La Caixa' Foundation and Milan Esposizione Permanente in 1993.
On the occasion of the centenary, an exhibition is expected also at the Yokohama Art Museum, Japan.
In Italy, 'Wifredo Lam: Cuba- Italia, un percorso' is being hosted at the Stelline Refectory, in Milan, at the gallery inside Palazzo Sertoli and the city museum inside Palazzo Sassi de Lavizzari, in Sondrio.
Mounted by Luciano Caprile, the exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue - available in Italian and Spanish - with critical texts by Caprile himself and by Daniel Abadie from Paris Jeu the Paume. The catalogue also includes some contributions by Enrico Baj, Laurin Lou Lam, Eskil Lam, Giovanni Poggi and Giorgio Upiglio.
Along with the works shown at the Stelline refectory and at the gallery and museum of Sondrio, another book with Lam's paintings of the Italian period dating from 1961 to 1982, published by Acantos, will be presented on the occasion of this event