Canadian artist, Umberto Bruni, was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1914. Bruni studied at the École des Beaux Arts de Montréal, from 1930 to 1937 and upon graduation, was awarded three medals of distinction. He received numerous bursaries to study throughout Canada, France and Italy. He taught at the École des Beaux Arts de Montréal, from 1947 to 1969 and at the Université du Québec from 1970 to 1972. Bruni was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA) and the Institute for the Conservation and Restoration of Historic and Artistic Works (I.I.C), among others. He was the founder and director of La Galérie U.Q.A.M.
The artist is known for his official portraits, murals, still life, landscapes and busts as well as for having decorated numerous Catholic churches throughout Quebec. Bruni typically represents Quebec scenery and remains distinguished in his pictorial technique, use of colour and light. In 1960, Bruni exhibited his non-figurative paintings at Gallery XII in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Many of his artworks can be found in various private collections throughout Europe and America. Umberto Bruni died in Laval on February 1st 2021 at the age of 106. His passion and creativity will continue to live on through his works for the benefit of all.
