Franco Costa

Franco Costa (1934–2015) was an Italian artist who transformed his passion for life into vibrant, expressive works of art. He was an extremely positive person, and those who knew him were fascinated by his openness and generosity.

Born in Rome in 1934, Franco’s journey within the arts began early. As a child, he studied violin at the National Academy of Santa Cecilia in Rome, made stained glass windows as a teenager, and studied French, architecture, and art in Geneva, Zurich, and Paris.

From being an architect, among other things, he moved on to work as a scene and costume designer for theatre, wrote a book and a play, created fabrics and fashion for Haute Couture in France and Italy, and worked in the film industry as a costume designer.

From the mid-seventies, he dedicated himself to painting, and his works express a deep love for colour and form. His motto, “Arte Vita“, lingers through his works.

Franco is widely celebrated for his contributions to art in sport, particularly as the official artist for the America’s Cup, but his creativity is not confined to a single theme. In a style that arises from his palette in great simplicity and clear colours, his diverse works span landscapes, abstracts, and still lifes.

Franco Costa’s works have been exhibited worldwide, sharing his perspective with audiences across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. His art has a timeless appeal, inspiring viewers to see the world in colour and joy.