Gianni Dova (1925 – 1991) was an Italian painter, born in Rome. Studied at the Brera Academy, Milan, under Carpi, Carrà and Funi. First one-man exhibition at the Galleria del Cavallino, Venice, 1947. Joined the Spazialismo movement led by Fontana and was one of those who signed the Spazialismo manifestos of 1948, 1951, 1952 and 1953. Painted pictures in 1950-3 with flowing films of paint evocative of galactic space or of organisms seen under a microscope. Became interested in Surrealism through the writings of Breton and the work of Ernst, Lam, Matta and Brauner, and turned c.1953 to painting compositions with enamel-like finish of part-animal, part-vegetable forms, imaginary creatures expressive of violence and menace. Since 1969 has worked mainly in Brittany, at Roscoff, Finistère, but also has studios in Calice Ligure (Savona) and Milan.