Trento Gallery, October 1945, solo exhibition in Trento.
Critical review by Guido Polo.

Michelangelo Perghem Gelmi belongs to a new, younger generation of painters who are passionately taking their first steps in the art world. His style is characterized by a seriousness and an inclination towards research, although sometimes it comes under contrasting influences. There is no need to name artists and art trends, as they all seem to have a fleeting influence on his paintings. Despite being in contact with the most interesting movements of contemporary art, Michelangelo strives to break free from exterior influences in order to search for his own true voice. His constant distancing from an empty and formal type of painting takes him to higher levels of exploration and exploitation of themes. What emerges from his paintings is his longing for a stylistic unity and his will to deal with the various formal problems arising during the process of creation. In some of his landscapes he is tempted by the soft touches of Impressionism; at other times, his brushstokes become darker and more dense, pushing him towards a more expressionist way of painting. However, it is in the quietness of his studio that he finds his most original way of expression: through his still lives, humble arrangements of everyday objects, he manages to touch the viewers with his use of volumes and colours.
His figures are well-accomplished and although his sketching is frank and courageous at times, you can still feel some academic reminiscences. It is difficult to say which direction Michelangelo will take and I won’t venture into any judgement which may cause him even the slightest embarrassment. His personal style is a “work in progress” full of great sensitivity. If he exercises a strict choice of themes and channels his inspiration towards a sincere reasoning with the deepest feelings in his soul, he will definitely create something great. By the way, this first exhibition is already a good omen about future, interesting developments.

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