regata (2010) Printmaking by Mario Schifano

Mario Schifano (1934–1998) was an influential Italian painter and filmmaker, widely recognized as one of the leading figures of postwar Italian art. Born in Homs, Libya, Schifano moved to Rome with his family in 1941, where he later became a key figure in the Italian Pop Art movement. His work is noted for its dynamic and innovative approach, blending elements of abstraction, conceptualism, and popular culture.

Schifano initially gained attention in the early 1960s with his "Monocromi" series—large canvases painted in a single color with a strip of paper or tape along one edge, questioning the nature of painting itself. His work soon evolved to incorporate imagery from mass media, advertising, and consumer culture, drawing comparisons to American Pop artists like Andy Warhol. However, Schifano's art retained a distinctly European sensibility, often reflecting on the complexities of modern life and the impact of technology and media on society.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Schifano's experimentation extended beyond painting to include photography, video, and film, further broadening his artistic repertoire. His films, such as "Umano non umano" (1969), were part of the avant-garde cinema movement, blending documentary and fiction in a style that was both innovative and reflective of the countercultural spirit of the time.

Schifano's later works continued to explore the interplay between high art and popular culture, with vibrant, chaotic compositions that often featured overlapping layers of text, imagery, and gestural marks. Despite struggles with addiction and personal challenges, his creativity remained prolific until his death in Rome in 1998.

Mario Schifano's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to contemporary art, particularly in his exploration of the boundaries between different media and his commentary on the visual culture of the modern world. His works are held in major collections and continue to be celebrated for their boldness, energy, and relevance.

• Nationality: ITALY
• Date of birth : 1934
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Artists presented by a gallery