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of art by this artist.
Gilberto Zorio Biography
Gilberto Zorio is an Italian artist whose work has been pivotal in the development of the Arte Povera movement. Born in 1944 in Andorno Micca, a small town in the province of Biella, Zorio's artistic journey began with his studies at the Accademia Albertiana in Turin. His early education in the arts laid the foundation for a career that would see him become one of the main exponents of Arte Povera, a movement that emerged in the late 1960s and sought to redefine the concept of art-making.
Arte Povera, which translates to "poor art," was not about financial poverty but rather an ideological stance against the commercialization of art. It was a movement that embraced the use of unconventional materials and processes, often incorporating elements from nature and everyday life to challenge the established norms of the art world. Zorio's work is a testament to this ethos, as he has consistently utilized a range of materials, including incandescent electric light tubes, steel, pitch, and evaporation and oxidation processes, to explore themes of transformation, energy, and natural phenomena.
Zorio's fascination with alchemical transformation and the release of energy is evident in his sculptures, paintings, and performances, which are often interpreted as metaphors for revolutionary human action and creativity. His installations are known for their precariousness, employing fragile materials that evoke a sense of transience and the ephemeral nature of existence. Works such as "Stella di Bronzo" and "Acidi" showcase his ability to create art that is both visually striking and conceptually rich.
Throughout his career, Zorio has been influenced by the work of fellow Arte Povera artists, including Michelangelo Pistoletto, Piero Gilardi, and Mario Merz. His early pieces, created between 1966 and 1968, were characterized by their engagement with energy processes, utilizing chemical reactions and physical actions to bring about change within the work itself. These pieces often involved autonomous changes or those prompted by external intervention, such as the viewer's presence.
Zorio's role in Arte Povera was solidified with his first exhibition at the Galleria Sperone in Turin in 1967. His work from this period included strange objects that were the results of completed actions or ongoing processes. He also explored the interaction between the artist's body and the material, as seen in works like "Odio," where the word "hate" is inscribed with an ax in a wall, emphasizing the importance of words and speech in his art.
The artist's participation in the landmark exhibition "When Attitudes Become Form" in 1969, organized by Harald Szeemann in Bern, further cemented his reputation. His piece "Torcia," featuring flaming torches that eventually fall and cause the collapse of the work, exemplified the radical nature of his artistic vision. Zorio's belief in the unmaskable truth of art has been a guiding principle throughout his practice, asserting that art's intrinsic strength cannot be hidden or disguised.
Zorio's contributions to the Arte Povera movement have been recognized internationally, with solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Kunstmuseum in Lucerne, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. His work has been included in major exhibitions that have shaped the contemporary art scene, such as Documenta in Kassel and the Venice Biennale.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Zorio has also been an influential educator, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with younger generations. His legacy is not only found in the objects and installations he has created but also in the impact he has had on the artists who have followed in his footsteps.
Gilberto Zorio's work continues to inspire and challenge viewers, embodying the spirit of Arte Povera by pushing the boundaries of what art can be and how it can be experienced. His exploration of energy, transformation, and the natural world remains a vital part of his practice, making him one of the most significant figures in contemporary Italian art.
Gilberto Zorio 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
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professionalism.
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