Emilio Isgrò, born in October 1937 in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Sicily, is a multifaceted Italian artist and writer renowned for pioneering the erasure technique in his artworks. His journey from Sicily to Milan in 1956 marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him become one of the most influential figures in post-war Italian art. Isgrò's work is characterized by a profound engagement with the written word, through which he has contributed significantly to the development of visual poetry and conceptual art. Isgrò's artistic and literary endeavors began to intertwine early in his career. He made his literary debut in 1956 with the poetry collection "Fiere del Sud," published by Arturo Schwarz Editore. This early foray into literature laid the groundwork for his later artistic explorations. In 1964, Isgrò began his iconic erasures, starting with encyclopedias and other texts. This act of deletion was not merely a negation but a profound inquiry into the nature of communication and the saturation of words in the modern world. By erasing text, Isgrò sought to liberate words from their conventional contexts, allowing for a rediscovery of their intrinsic power and meaning. Isgrò's erasures quickly became central to his practice, leading him to engage with a wide range of materials, including books, maps, newspapers, and photographs. His work challenges the viewer to reconsider the relationship between text and image, word and meaning. Among his most significant early works were the deletions of entire encyclopedias, including the Enciclopedia Treccani, Encyclopædia Britannica, and Encyclopédie Larousse. These monumental projects underscored his commitment to exploring the limits and possibilities of language. Throughout his career, Isgrò has been a prolific creator, not only in the realm of visual art but also as a poet, playwright, director, and novelist. His contributions to literature include notable works such as "L'asta delle ceneri" and "Oratorio dei ladri," the latter marking his return to poetry after a hiatus. His literary works often reflect the same concerns with language and meaning that characterize his visual art. Isgrò's innovative approach to art and literature has not gone unnoticed. He has been a significant presence in major artistic events, including several editions of the Venice Biennale (1972, 1978, 1986, and 1993). His work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, such as "The Artist and the Book in Twentieth-Century Italy" at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. In recognition of his contributions to art, Isgrò's works have entered the collections of major institutions, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Beyond his individual achievements, Isgrò has played a crucial role in redefining the relationship between text and image in contemporary art. His erasures, far from being mere acts of destruction, are creative endeavors that seek to uncover new meanings and possibilities within the familiar. By challenging the viewer to see beyond the surface, Isgrò invites a deeper engagement with the world of words and images. Isgrò's impact on the art world extends beyond his artistic production. He has been the subject of numerous retrospectives and critical studies that explore the depth and breadth of his work. His practice continues to inspire new generations of artists and writers, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of post-war Italian art. As an artist, poet, and thinker, Emilio Isgrò remains a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue between art and language, offering insights that resonate with the complexities of contemporary life.

Emilio Isgro Quotes and Sales of Works

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