Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Arturo Vermi Biography
Arturo Vermi, born in Bergamo in 1928 and passing away in Paderno d’Adda in 1988, was a pivotal figure in the Italian art scene, particularly noted for his contributions to painting and sculpture. His artistic journey, marked by a profound evolution in style and medium, reflects the dynamic cultural shifts of post-war Italy and his relentless pursuit of a unique artistic language.
Vermi's early career in the 1950s was characterized by descriptively figurative paintings, heavily influenced by German Expressionism. This period was short-lived, as by 1958, he had fully immersed himself in Art Informel, marking a significant departure from figurative representation towards abstraction. This transition was not merely a change in style but a deep-seated exploration of new forms of expression, responding to the extraordinary social changes of the time.
The late 1950s and early 1960s were a period of significant development for Vermi. Around 1960, he spent two years in Paris, a city that was then a melting pot of artistic innovation. Here, Vermi engaged closely with the works of Art Informel artists such as Dubuffet, Fautrier, Soulage, and Poliakoff. Paris also exposed him to other contemporary movements, including Nouveau Réalisme. During this Parisian sojourn, Vermi concentrated on creating engravings, etchings, and lithographs, which profoundly influenced his subsequent work, particularly his exploration of the sign.
Upon returning to Milan, Vermi found himself in a city vibrant with experimental ferment. His work from this period, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, is notable for the incorporation of three-dimensional elements into his paintings. This phase, which he termed "Inserts," saw him frequently employing collage techniques or inserting pieces of wood covered with gold or silver leaf on canvas surfaces. These works were not just visual experiences but conceptual explorations of humanity's reality in relation to its surroundings, aiming for a cosmic vision that approached transcendence.
Vermi's engagement with sculpture, particularly from the 1960s onwards, though less frequent, was equally significant. His sculptures, including the Platforms, Curved Surfaces, and Fragments series, alongside plans for monumental works like a large Platform in the Sahara Desert, were ambitious in scope and vision. They aimed to unite humanity with the cosmos, a theme that resonated through his work.
His participation in the Milanese avant-garde, particularly with the Cenobio Group, was a testament to his active role in the vibrant cultural scene of Milan. The group, which included artists like Agostino Ferrari, Ugo La Pietra, Ettore Sordini, and Angelo Verga, was a collective endeavor to explore the expressive and scriptural value of painting, diverging from market influences and seeking a deeper, almost secret language of art.
Vermi's work is characterized by a profound synthesis of form, color, and sign. His ability to distill complex concepts into singular, impactful marks or gestures demonstrates a deep understanding of his mediums. His works, whether in painting or sculpture, invite viewers into a contemplative space, exploring themes of time, memory, and the cosmos.
Throughout his career, Vermi's artistic language evolved, yet it remained deeply personal and reflective of his philosophical inquiries into the nature of reality, humanity, and the universe. His legacy, marked by a relentless pursuit of new forms of expression and a profound engagement with the material and conceptual possibilities of art, continues to inspire and challenge contemporary audiences.
Arturo Vermi 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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