Sandro Chia, an artist active in the 1980s, was known for his association with the ''transavantgarde'' movement. The premise of the movement was the interest in reviving the art of the past to form a foundation for present art forms. They strayed from the modernist idea of art of having to follow a linear pattern toward one point. This gave them more freedom to take art in new directions while taking imagery from the past. The art of this movement was often figurative, created using oils, and in the form fresco or cast bronze. Other artists who employed these methods and philosophies were Francesco Clemente, Enzo Cucchi, Nicola de Maria and Mimmo Paladino. Chia used a vivid palette and energetic brushstrokes to depict larger than life figures with an almost humorous quality to them. Chia was raised in Florence, Italy where he received his training at the Instituto dArte. His work has often been compared to Italian Mannerist painting, specifically to the work of Alberto Savinio and Giorgio de Chirico.