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Charles Fazzino, an American pop artist renowned for his vibrant and intricate silkscreen serigraphs, has carved a distinctive niche in the art world with his signature 3D pop art style. Drawing inspiration from dynamic urban landscapes, thrilling sporting events, and iconic celebrities, Fazzino's work captivates audiences with its colorful, layered compositions and imaginative storytelling.
Artist Biography: Charles Fazzino
Born on February 16, 1955, Charles Fazzino is the son of a Finnish sculptor, Irene, and an Italian model shoe designer, Salvatore. He discovered his ion for art early, taking his first formal art class in seventh grade in 1967. Fazzino later honed his skills at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He first gained recognition for his distinctive 3D pop art style at the Greenwich Village Art Show in New York City, where he showcased his three-dimensional prints. Fazzino's art career took off when he sold his first 3D offset lithographs to a gallery in Michigan and began using the silkscreen printing process in 1986. His process involves starting with a flat sketch, which freelance illustrators rework before returning the sheets to Fazzino's studio. There, around 40 freelance artists hand-cut the pieces with Xacto knives and mount them onto heavier boards using silicone glue to create the 3D layered effect. Fazzino likens this meticulous process to "layering it like a lasagna." The final touches include glitter and Swarovski crystals, enhancing the artwork's vibrant and intricate details.
Fazzino's artwork, characterized by its three-dimensionality and vivid colors, is displayed in over 20 countries. He is renowned for creating event-specific artwork for major events such as the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, the Pori Jazz Festival, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and the Daytime Emmy Awards. His works often depict urban landscapes, sporting events, and celebrities, capturing the energy and essence of contemporary culture. Throughout his career, Fazzino has become synonymous with the genre of "pop art constructionism," blending pop culture elements with intricate craftsmanship. Beyond his celebrated artistic achievements, Fazzino is also known for his philanthropic efforts, using his art to various charitable causes. His unique approach to pop art, characterized by vibrant colors and detailed, layered compositions, has earned him a global following and recognition as a master of contemporary pop art.
Charles Fazzino and Silkscreen
The silkscreen method, a staple in the art world for its versatility and precision, plays a pivotal role in his work. This printing technique involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas blocked by a stencil. Each color in the artwork requires a separate screen, meticulously aligned to produce the final, multi-colored image. Fazzino takes this traditional method a step further by incorporating three-dimensional elements, creating pieces that leap off the canvas and captivate viewers with their depth and detail. The process begins with Fazzino deg his artwork, often inspired by cityscapes, pop culture, and whimsical scenes. He then meticulously creates stencils for each color layer. The screens are prepared by coating them with a light-sensitive emulsion, which is then exposed to ultraviolet light through the stencils, hardening the exposed areas. The unexposed emulsion is washed away, leaving a stencil on the screen through which ink will . Using a squeegee, Fazzino forces ink through the mesh openings, transferring vibrant colors onto the substrate. This process is repeated for each color, layer by layer, building up a richly detailed image.
What sets Fazzino apart is his innovative use of the silkscreen prints as the foundation for his 3D art. Once the base prints are complete, he meticulously cuts out sections and layers them using foam and other materials to create depth. This painstaking process involves hand-cutting, gluing, and assembling various elements of the artwork to achieve the desired three-dimensional effect. The result is a visually stunning piece that not only showcases the vivid colors and bold lines typical of silkscreen printing but also engages viewers with its tactile, layered composition. Fazzino's mastery of the silkscreen technique, combined with his unique approach to 3D layering, has made his work highly sought after. Each piece is a testament to his skill and creativity, blending the mechanical precision of screen printing with the handcrafted touch of 3D assembly. His art captures the essence of Pop Art, celebrating popular culture and everyday scenes with a playful, energetic twist.
Chronicles of the Big Apple (2019) by Charles Fazzino
Charles Fazzino, Chronicles of the Big Apple, 2019. Sculpture, Paper on Paper, 110x110 cm.
Chronicles of the Big Apple (2019) is a captivating sculpture by Charles Fazzino, renowned for his vibrant 3D Pop Art. This limited edition piece, number 7 out of 150, is crafted from "Paper on Paper" and showcases Fazzino's signature style of intricate layering and dynamic composition. The artwork features a drawing of New York City, affectionately known as "The Big Apple," ingeniously depicted within a large red apple. This playful interplay of words and images adds a whimsical touch to the piece. In the background, a map of New York provides context and depth, setting the stage for the bustling metropolis captured within the apple. Fazzino's detailed rendering includes numerous high-rise buildings, each meticulously cut and layered to create a three-dimensional effect. The sculpture vividly brings to life the energy and dynamism of New York City, allowing viewers to almost feel the city's pulse. The artwork is a celebration of New York's rich history, iconic architecture, and the diverse stories of its millions of residents. Through Chronicles of the Big Apple, Fazzino masterfully encapsulates the essence of New York City in his unique Pop Art style.
Experience the Magic of Manhattan! (2021) by Charles Fazzino
Charles Fazzino, Experience the Magic of Manhattan!, 2021. Sculpture, Paper on Paper, 103cm x 75cm.
Experience the Magic of Manhattan! (2021) is an enchanting sculpture by Charles Fazzino, celebrated for his distinctive 3D Pop Art creations. This limited edition piece, the first of 325, is meticulously crafted from "Paper on Paper," showcasing Fazzino's expertise in layering and creating depth. The sculpture portrays a vibrant scene of New York City, encapsulating the city's dynamic spirit and the enchanting moments that define it. Against the backdrop of Manhattan's iconic skyline, colorful kites soar in the sky, suggesting a beautiful spring day filled with joy and lightness. The artwork captures the hustle and bustle of the city, with its busy streets and diverse inhabitants, highlighting the energy and vibrancy that make New York a place of wonder and magic. Fazzino's use of vivid colors and intricate details draws viewers into the scene, making them feel as though they are experiencing the lively atmosphere of Manhattan firsthand. The sculpture is a celebration of the city's unique charm and the everyday magic found in its streets and skies. Experience the Magic of Manhattan! exemplifies Fazzino's ability to transform ordinary cityscapes into extraordinary works of art, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and excitement of New York City through his playful and vibrant Pop Art style.
Iconic Artworks
Charles Fazzino's iconic artworks and public installations span across the globe, showcasing his vibrant 3D Pop Art style in notable venues and commissions. At JFK International Airport's Terminal 8, Fazzino's collection for American Airlines features a striking 6' by 7' rotating sculpture titled From New York...to the World, alongside a monumental 13' three-dimensional mural. In 2016, he adorned the Westchester Medical Center's Mobile Health Coach, followed by painting outdoor kiosks for Stamford, CT in 2018. That same year, New Rochelle, NY enlisted Fazzino and his daughter Heather to create public sculptures for their Ideally Yours campaign, while Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone Health welcomed his mural depicting New York City. Celebrating NBC Sports' milestone, Fazzino crafted an artwork commemorating NBC Sunday Night Football's primetime dominance for seven consecutive years. His international footprint expanded with monumental steel sculptures and murals commissioned by Fiesta in Busan, Korea in 2019. Most recently, in 2022, Fazzino's commemorative artwork for the United States Marine Corps Reserve's
Exhibition History
Charles Fazzino's exhibition history spans across prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, showcasing his intricate 3D pop art that merges vibrant colors with intricate details. In 2010–2011, he presented "The Faces of Fort Lauderdale" at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, commemorating a century of local history. His international acclaim grew with his first major German exhibition at the International Academy of Art in Hembach in 2011, where he was commissioned to create "For the Love of Kreis Düren". In 2015, Fazzino's work featured prominently in "The Art of Pop & Comics" at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, Florida, highlighting his unique blend of cartoon imagery with iconic art masterpieces. He was also commissioned to commemorate Singapore's 50th anniversary with a specially crafted artwork, debuting in the country with multiple public engagements. Notably, in 2017, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County hosted "The Heroes of the Holocaust," a poignant exhibit featuring Fazzino's original works and plexiglass sculptures paying homage to Holocaust rescuers. His commitment to memorializing historical events continued with the National September 11 Museum & Memorial commission in 2021, where his tribute artwork marked the 20th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks. Fazzino's art has been featured in exhibitions worldwide, from Denmark and Dubai to Japan and the United States, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary pop art on the global stage.
In conclusion, Charles Fazzino's career is a testament to his unique ability to blend vibrant colors, intricate details, and three-dimensional elements into captivating works of art that celebrate pop culture and urban life. From his early days at the Greenwich Village Art Show to international acclaim, Fazzino has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional silkscreen printing, transforming it into a dynamic medium for his distinctive Pop Art Constructionism. His artworks not only capture the energy and essence of contemporary society but also invite viewers to engage with their playful narratives and meticulous craftsmanship. Beyond his artistic achievements, Fazzino's philanthropic endeavors underscore his commitment to using art as a force for good. Through his public installations, iconic commissions, and global exhibitions, Charles Fazzino continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of art, inspiring audiences worldwide with his vibrant and innovative approach.
Selena Mattei 
