Aldo Giorgini papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSF 532

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection documents the artistic output of Aldo Giorgini, who was a professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University from 1968 through the 1990s. The collection includes art prints and their accompanying software documentation, biographical information, writings, clippings, and some photographs. For a more detailed inventory of the collection please contact an archivist.

Dates

Creation: 1964 - 1999

Creator

Giorgini, Aldo (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection material is in English.

Access information

The collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use information

Portions of material in this collection are in the public domain. Other material copyrights held by Purdue University or original creator. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

biographical information

Aldo Giorgini was born in 1934 in Voghera, Italy. He received extensive formal art training in his formative years, and assisted with the restoration of art damaged in World War II. In addition to his artistic training, he studied engineering at the University of Pavia on the Ghislieri Scholarship. Subsequently, he earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Torino (1959). After earning his PhD, Giorgini was hired as an Associate Professor at Politecnico di Torino, at which time he met his wife Elena who was working on her doctorate of law at the University of Torino.

In 1962, Giorgini went to Colorado State University on a Fulbright Scholarship, where he studied Kraichnan's theory of turbulence. While at Colorado State, he also earned a second PhD in Civil Engineering, and finished coursework for a third doctorate in Physics. From 1966-1967, Giorgini served in a postdoctoral research position at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. After completing his postdoc appointment, Giorgini was hired by Purdue. He moved to West Lafayette, where he began his tenure as a professor in Purdue's Civil Engineering Department. While at Purdue, Giorgini emphasized the importance of finding balance between function and aesthetics. He understood that the study of art and science should not be mutually exclusive. He won several awards for his teaching in fluid mechanics and engineering mathematics.

At Purdue, Giorgini also rediscovered his love for art, and managed to blur the line between engineering and art by pioneering the genre of computer-aided art. His designs are primarily abstract, and were printed on mylar sheets which were then filled in by hand. Giorgini's art has been displayed internationally and is world renowned. Giorgini was also very devoted to his family, and had two sons (Massimiliano and Flaviano) with Elena before she passed away in 1977. Aldo was always supportive of his sons' endeavors, even driving the tour bus for their punk rock band. Giorgini died October 16, 1994.

Source: MSF 532 Aldo Giorgini papers, Purdue Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries

Extent

9.875 Cubic Feet (3 manuscript boxes, 2 oversized boxes, 1 flat file drawer) : 2 full width letter sized manuscript boxes, 1 half width letter sized manuscript box, 1 flat oversized box, 1 oversized rolled poster box with four compartments, one map case flat file drawer

Additional Description

Arrangement

The Aldo Giorgini papers are arranged chronologically by type. Art prints are grouped by artist designated headings/series (i.e. cylinders, surfaces, etc.). The collection is arranged into two series:

Personal papers
Art

Physical Access Information

Mylar prints are large and may require staff assistance for viewing. Staff please note that items in map case are very large and will require two staff members to move.

acquisition information

Materials donated by Massamiliano Giorgini on November 8, 2013.

Accruals

No further additions to the collection are expected.

Processing Information

Materials have been placed in archival housing. All rolled items have been flattened when possible, some were too large to provide suitable storage when flattened. Original groupings and order have been retained whenever possible.