Carlo Vivarelli, born on March 8, 1919, in Zurich, Switzerland, was a multifaceted artist whose work spanned graphic design, painting, and sculpture. He is renowned for his contributions to the International Typographic Style, also known as Swiss Style, which emphasized cleanliness, readability, and objectivity in design. Vivarelli's journey into the world of art and design began with his education at the Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich in 1934, where he honed his skills and developed a foundation that would influence his diverse body of work throughout his career. In 1939, Vivarelli ventured to Paris, a move that marked a significant phase in his early career. There, he studied under the French poster artist Paul Colin. Despite expressing that his time with Colin was not of great use, this experience in Paris exposed him to a broader spectrum of artistic influences and practices. By 1946, Vivarelli's career took another turn when he moved to Milan to work as an art director at Studio Boggeri, a graphic design firm known for its innovative approach to design. This position allowed him to refine his skills and establish a name for himself in the design community. The following year, Vivarelli returned to Zurich and opened his own design studio. His firm quickly garnered attention, securing commissions from major clients such as Electrolux, Roche, and SRG SSR. This period was marked by significant achievements, including his role in the creation of the Neue Grafik magazine in 1958, a publication that played a crucial role in the dissemination of Swiss typography and design principles. Vivarelli's artistic endeavors were not confined to graphic design. In the 1950s, he began to explore painting, and by the 1960s, he had ventured into sculpture. His work in these mediums was characterized by a precision and clarity that mirrored his design philosophy. Vivarelli's sculptures and paintings were exhibited on various occasions in Zurich, and his contributions to the Konstruktive Grafik exhibition alongside Hans Neuburg and Richard Lohse in 1958 underscored his versatility and commitment to exploring different artistic expressions. Throughout his career, Vivarelli remained a prolific figure in the art and design world. He was a co-publisher and co-editor of the graphic art review New Graphic Design, which further established his influence in the field. His ability to excel in typography, painting, and sculpture showcased a rare talent that bridged multiple disciplines, earning him recognition as an artist of remarkable versatility and precision. Vivarelli's work extended beyond the confines of his studio. He was known for his public sculptures, including the "10 Elements" at the Hall of Zurich University and a chromium-steel sculpture on the campus of the same university, completed posthumously. These works exemplified his commitment to integrating art with its surroundings and engaging the viewer in a dialogue with the piece. Carlo Vivarelli's contributions to the world of art and design were grounded in a philosophy that valued social engagement, the significance of visual information, and an unwavering artistic consistency. His legacy is that of an artist who seamlessly navigated the realms of graphic design, painting, and sculpture, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and influence. Vivarelli passed away in 1986 in Zurich, but his impact on the art and design community endures, a testament to his innovative spirit and enduring vision.

Carlo Vivarelli 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.

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