Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Turi Simeti Biography
Turi Simeti, an Italian painter born on August 5, 1929, in Alcamo, Sicily, emerged as a pivotal figure in the post-war European art scene, particularly within the movements of Spatialism and the Zero Group. His journey from a self-taught artist to a celebrated pioneer of 20th and 21st-century Italian art is a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to exploring the essence of minimalism and monochromy in painting.
Simeti's early life was marked by a series of explorations in different fields. Initially embarking on studies in veterinary medicine and law, he eventually moved to Rome in 1958, where his artistic journey began. It was in Rome that Simeti encountered Alberto Burri, a significant influence who introduced him to the avant-garde circles of the time. This period was crucial for Simeti, as it laid the foundation for his artistic development and introduced him to the radical ideas that were reshaping the art world.
Simeti's work is characterized by its minimalist conception, focusing on dynamic patterns of ovals that dance across monochromatic surfaces of shaped canvases. This focused combination of color and shape speaks to his concern with emphasizing the physical presence of the artwork itself, rather than an expression of the artist's voice. His signature use of the oval form, often in a monochrome palette, allowed him to explore the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and movement that challenges the viewer's perception.
In the 1960s, Simeti became actively involved in major exhibitions organized by the Spatialist movement and the Zero Group, alongside artists like Lucio Fontana, Enrico Castellani, Piero Manzoni, and Agostino Bonalumi. These collaborations and exhibitions were instrumental in establishing Simeti as a key figure in the movement that sought to transcend the traditional boundaries of painting, exploring spatial concepts and the integration of light and shadow as fundamental elements of the artwork.
Simeti's artistic journey took him beyond Italy, with extended stays in London, Paris, and Basel, where he absorbed the international climate of artistic experimentation. His work underwent significant evolution during these years, moving from flat collages to the spatial complexity of his three-dimensional extroflexed canvases. This transition marked Simeti's commitment to pushing the boundaries of painting, exploring the possibilities of form and color in creating immersive experiences for the viewer.
Throughout his career, Simeti's work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including prestigious venues such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with several awards, including the "Artist of the Year" prize from the Circolo della Stampa of Milan in 2014.
Simeti's legacy is not only in the artworks he created but also in the way he inspired generations of artists to explore the potential of minimalism and abstraction. His relentless pursuit of simplicity and purity in form and color has left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary art.
Turi Simeti passed away on March 16, 2021, in Milan, Italy, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. His dedication to exploring the essence of painting, through the interplay of light, shadow, and form, cements his place as a pioneering figure in the history of modern and contemporary art.
Turi Simeti 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
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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