Salvatore Scarpitta was an American artist whose innovative and multifaceted work spanned several decades of the 20th century, leaving a lasting impact on the art world. Born on March 23, 1919, in New York City to a Sicilian father, sculptor Salvatore Cartaino Scarpitta, and a Ukrainian mother, Josephine “Nadia” Jarocka, Scarpitta's early life was steeped in a rich cultural and artistic environment. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was just six months old, where he was exposed to the vibrant automobile racing scene, a passion that would significantly influence his later work. Scarpitta's artistic journey began at Hollywood High School, after which he pursued higher education at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma, one of Europe's premier art universities. His time in Rome was not just about formal education; it was also a period of profound personal and artistic growth. He was deeply involved in the city's avant-garde art scene and was represented by Galleria La Tartaruga, a leading modern art gallery in Italy. During World War II, Scarpitta served in the United States Navy as a "Monuments Man," a role that involved finding, preserving, and cataloging art stolen by the Nazis. This experience not only exposed him to a wide range of artworks but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the preservation of cultural heritage. After the war, Scarpitta chose to remain in Rome, where he continued to develop his artistic voice. His early works were characterized by their innovative use of materials and form, including the "bandage" works, which utilized strips of canvas dipped in plastic substances to stretch them as far as possible. This period was marked by experimentation and a search for a minimal and rigorous style, evident in his X Frames series and works incorporating elements from the world of car racing. In 1958, Leo Castelli, a prominent art dealer, discovered Scarpitta's work and invited him to move to New York and join his gallery. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the Castelli Gallery, where Scarpitta had 10 one-man shows from 1959 until 1992. His work during this period continued to evolve, with a significant focus on automobile themes, including fully functional race cars and sleds. These works not only showcased Scarpitta's passion for racing but also his interest in movement and the human experience associated with it. Scarpitta's contributions to the art world were not limited to his sculptures and installations. He was also a part of many group shows that included renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Julian Schnabel. His works are part of the permanent collections of several prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1 in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. Beyond his artistic achievements, Scarpitta's life was marked by his service during World War II, his deep connections to the racing world, and his role as a teacher and mentor to younger artists. He passed away on April 10, 2007, in Manhattan from complications of diabetes, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists and art lovers around the world. Salvatore Scarpitta's work defies easy categorization, straddling the lines between Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Arte Povera. His unique blend of Americana, personal narrative, and a desire to explore the themes of life, death, rebirth, and movement through his art makes him a significant figure in the history of 20th-century art. His passion for racing, evident in his life-size, fully functioning race cars, and his innovative use of materials in his sculptures and installations, reflect a constant quest for movement and transformation, both literal and metaphorical. Scarpitta's art is a testament to his belief in the power of creativity to transcend boundaries and connect deeply with the human experience.

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