Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Igor Mitoraj Biography
Igor Mitoraj, born on March 26, 1944, in Oederan, Germany, to a Polish mother and a French father, was a monumental figure in the world of sculpture, whose works have captivated audiences worldwide with their fragmented beauty and classical grace. Mitoraj's journey into the arts began in Poland, where he spent his youth near Krakow. His early education in art took place at an art school in Bielsko-Biała, and at the age of nineteen, he enrolled in the faculty of painting at the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts. Here, under the tutelage of Tadeusz Kantor, a renowned painter, director, and theatrical set designer, Mitoraj's artistic vision began to take shape.
In 1967, Mitoraj participated in a collective exhibition at the Galeria Krzysztofory in Krakow, marking the beginning of his public artistic endeavors. The following year, heeding Kantor's advice, Mitoraj left Poland for Paris to broaden his cultural and artistic horizons. There, he enrolled in the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, furthering his education and refining his skills. The city of Paris played a crucial role in Mitoraj's development as an artist, providing him with the inspiration and resources to explore new artistic directions.
The 1970s were a period of significant transformation for Mitoraj. A trip to Mexico introduced him to Latin American art and culture, sparking a fascination with sculpture. This experience, coupled with the success of his first major solo exhibition at the Gallery La Hune in Paris in 1976, convinced Mitoraj to dedicate himself exclusively to sculpture. His work during this period was characterized by a blend of terracotta and bronze, but a trip to Carrara, Italy, in 1979 introduced him to marble, which would become his primary medium.
Mitoraj's sculptural style is deeply rooted in the classical tradition, focusing on well-modeled torsos and fragments of the human body. However, he introduced a post-modern twist to his works, with ostentatiously truncated limbs and damaged forms that evoke the passage of time and the fragility of beauty. His sculptures, often large-scale and created for public installations, explore themes of human suffering, isolation, and the quest for beauty amidst imperfection.
Throughout his career, Mitoraj received numerous accolades and participated in prestigious exhibitions worldwide. His works were installed in major cities, including Milan, Rome, London, Paris, Atlanta, and Tokyo, and he received commissions for monumental sculptures in public spaces. In 2001, the President of the Italian Republic awarded him the “Premio Vittorio De Sica,” and in 2002 and 2006, he worked on set designs for operas by Giacomo Puccini. Mitoraj's contributions to the arts were recognized with several honors, including the Commander’s Cross of the Order of the Rebirth of Poland in 2012.
Mitoraj's legacy is one of bridging the past with the present, merging classical beauty with contemporary themes and concerns. His works, characterized by their fragmented forms and evocative presence, invite viewers to reflect on the nature of beauty, time, and the human condition. Igor Mitoraj passed away in Paris on October 6, 2014, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. His sculptures, residing in museums, galleries, and public spaces, stand as a testament to his artistic vision and his profound impact on the world of contemporary sculpture.
Igor Mitoraj 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
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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