Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Ben Ormenese Biography
Benito Ormenese, born on March 3, 1930, in Prata di Pordenone, Province of Pordenone, Italy, was a kinetic artist whose work left a significant mark on the Italian and international art scene. His journey into the world of art began with a departure from the faculty of architecture in 1960, a decision that led him to Milan, where his career as an artist took flight. Milan, a city known for its vibrant art scene, became the backdrop for Ormenese's exploration and creation of kinetic art, a form of art that emphasizes movement and the perception of change.
Ormenese's early years in Milan were pivotal, as he connected with Silvano Falchi, a gallery owner who recognized his talent and provided him with opportunities to exhibit his work. These exhibitions were not confined to Italy; Ormenese's art was also showcased in Germany, at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts in London, and in modern art shows across Switzerland and Germany. His work was characterized by its geometric and three-dimensional aspects, which became his signature style. This unique approach to art-making distinguished Ormenese in the kinetic art movement, aligning him with other European kinetic artists like Alberto Biasi, Edoardo Landi, and Julio Le Parc, among others.
Despite the recognition and comparison with his contemporaries, Ormenese remained a solitary figure in the art world. His dedication to his craft was evident in his continuous exploration of light and the environment, regardless of the materials he used throughout his career. In the 1960s, his LAM series incorporated small canvases covered with lamellae into larger surfaces, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The early 1970s saw him experimenting with wooden constructions in the "Legni" series, where voids in the wall became integral parts of the artworks. This period of experimentation and exhibition across Europe was a testament to Ormenese's innovative spirit and his contribution to the kinetic art movement.
However, in 1978, Ormenese took an unexpected turn. He withdrew into solitude, leaving Milan and his exhibition activities behind. This retreat did not signify an end to his artistic endeavors; rather, it marked a new phase of exploration. Returning to Friuli, he continued to push the boundaries between painting and sculpture, eventually creating sculptures that were a synthesis of aniconism and figural aspiration. These works, constructed through the assembly of shaped wood pieces, showcased Ormenese's mastery over form and his ability to imbue his sculptures with a sense of dynamism and movement.
In the last decade of the 20th century and beyond, Ormenese returned to "paintings," though his works defied conventional categorization. He began to use light as a structural element, creating "aesthetic machines" that blended seamlessly with their surroundings. These works, part of the "Levitazioni" and "Teatrini musicali" series, demonstrated Ormenese's continued innovation and his ability to evolve as an artist.
Ormenese's legacy is preserved through the Ormenese Archive, established in 2014, a year after his death on July 18, 2013. The archive aims to protect and promote his work, with plans to publish a Catalogo Ragionato (Catalogue Raisonné) of his oeuvre. Benito Ormenese's artistic journey, from his early days in Milan to his later years in Sacile, reflects a lifelong commitment to exploring the possibilities of kinetic art. His work, characterized by its geometric precision, exploration of light, and dynamic forms, remains a significant contribution to the world of contemporary art.
Ben Ormenese 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.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: