After studying at the Brera, Arata worked as assistant set designer at the Teatro La Scala. The first period of his career was mainly dedicated to graphics: drawings and etchings. In fact, in 1916, Arata participated in the exhibition of Italian etchers and engravers that was held in London. At the end of the twenties he came into contact with the Burano school and Pio Semeghini, developing an interest in the pre-chiarista current. In the mid-thirties he developed his evolution towards an art more properly chiarista.