Ceroli Mario

Biography

Mario Ceroli (1938) is one of the most influential artists of the Italian post-war period. Ceroli graduated from 'Accademia delle Belle Arti' in Rome, where he studied with Leoncillo, Fazzini and Colla.  In the early stages of Ceroli's career he concentrated on ceramics and in 1958, he exhibited these works at the Premium Spoleto. In the same year Ceroli held his first solo exhibition at Galeria San Sebastinello of Rome.

During 1959 he began to experiment with new materials, particularly with raw wood, such as Russian pinewood. He used these materials to create silhouetted shapes in his furniture and objects that related simplistically to the surrounding space. Ceroli relates back to the traditional medieval craftsmen, focusing on an overall and overwhelming attraction that holds a dialogue with the spectator.

Between 1967-1968, Ceroli took part in exhibitions related to the "Arte de Povera" group. He had also been involved as screenplay director collaborating with "II Teatro Stabile" in Turin and with "La Scala" In Milan.

Characteristically Ceroli's designs are dramatic and sculptural, with exaggerated forms and bold lines and often paying tribute to historical artworks. One of Ceroli's major works was his 'Mobili nella Valle' series, inspired directly by De Chirico's 1927 painting of the same name. Ceroli's sculpture, a direct homage to De Chirico's painting, sold on the 13th May 2015 at Phillips New York with a $400,000 - $600,000 estimate. This value sets a precedent for Ceroli furniture, however furniture from this series is likely to follow suit.