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of art by this artist.
Luciano Fabro Biography
Luciano Fabro was an Italian sculptor, conceptual artist, and writer, born on November 20, 1936, in Turin, Italy. He emerged as a radical and central figure in the redefinition and re-evaluation of sculpture in post-war Italy, playing a significant role in the Arte Povera movement. Fabro's work is known for its innovative use of materials, spatial context, and the exploration of the relationship between art, nature, and history. He passed away on June 22, 2007, in Milan, Italy, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary art.
Fabro's journey into the art world began at a young age, deciding to become an artist when he was just 12 years old. His artistic career took a significant turn in 1958 when he attended the Venice Biennale and encountered Lucio Fontana's slashed canvases. Inspired by Fontana's work, which introduced space into what were otherwise flat surfaces, Fabro moved to Milan the following year to pursue his artistic career. It was in Milan that he met Piero Manzoni, with whom he became closely associated, particularly in relation to the avant-garde Arte Povera movement. This movement critiqued established institutions and consumerism by experimenting with unconventional materials, though Fabro himself often used both humble and expensive materials, such as gold, bronze, and marble, in his works.
Throughout his nearly five-decade-long career, Fabro constantly found ways to emphasize the past alongside the urgency of the new through the expression of time. He was conscious of the legacy of Italian ruins and often used classical sculpture as inspiration to create new perspectives and spatial relations. One of his best-known works, "Sisifo" (Sisyphus) (1994), comprises a large cylindrical piece of marble, engraved and rolled through a layer of flour, leaving behind an outline of a figure in the dust. Another notable work, "Buco" (Hole) (1963), features a mirror with parts of the reflective backing scraped off, so that in some areas it reflects the viewer, while in others, it acts as a window to the surrounding environment.
Fabro's "Italia" (Italy) series is arguably his most famous, where he transfigured shapes of the Italian peninsula into reliefs from various materials, including leather, metal, and wire. A well-known work from this series, "Golden Italy," created in 1971, boldly portrays Italy as backwards and in disarray by hanging a map of the country in gilded bronze upside down.
Fabro's work has been featured in numerous solo and group shows worldwide, including prestigious venues such as the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He participated in the Venice Biennale at least eight times between 1972 and 1997 and was featured in Documenta in Kassel, Germany, three times. Throughout his life, he received several prestigious awards, including the Coutts Contemporary Art Award from Zurich, Switzerland (1994); the Antonio Feltrinelli Prize from Rome, Italy (1993); and the Sikkens Prize, awarded from Rotterdam, the Netherlands (1987).
Fabro was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous texts on art theory. His writings and teachings have contributed significantly to the discourse on contemporary art, particularly in the areas of sculpture and conceptual art. His radical reevaluation of sculptural form and rigorous approach to spatial context, material, and meaning have left an indelible mark on the art world.
Luciano Fabro's work continues to be celebrated and studied for its profound impact on the development of contemporary art. His innovative use of materials, exploration of space and form, and engagement with historical and cultural themes have established him as a landmark figure in post-war Italian art.
Luciano Fabro Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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