Pier Paolo Pasolini, born on March 5, 1922, in Bologna, Italy, was a multifaceted artist whose work spanned poetry, film, literature, and political commentary, making him one of the most provocative and influential Italian intellectuals of the 20th century. His early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his father's military career, exposing him to various Italian cultures and dialects, which would later influence his artistic and intellectual pursuits. Pasolini's family faced financial difficulties when his father was arrested for gambling debts, leading them to move to Casarsa della Delizia in the Friuli region, where Pasolini's passion for literature and poetry began to flourish. Inspired by the natural beauty of Casarsa and influenced by the work of Arthur Rimbaud, Pasolini started writing poems at the age of seven. His early exposure to diverse literary works, including those of Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, and Shakespeare, further shaped his literary aspirations. Despite the challenges of adapting to various relocations during his childhood, Pasolini's intellectual and artistic talents were evident from an early age. He attended the University of Bologna, where he was deeply influenced by his art history professor, Roberto Longhi, absorbing a profound visual culture that would later manifest in his films and writings. Pasolini's early involvement in literary circles and his contributions to magazines such as "Il Setaccio" showcased his burgeoning talent as a writer and thinker. Pasolini's early career was marked by his work as a teacher and his active participation in the Italian Communist Party (PCI), reflecting his commitment to social and political issues. However, his expulsion from the PCI due to a scandal involving homosexual encounters underscored the challenges he faced in reconciling his personal life with his political beliefs. This episode also highlighted the societal prejudices and moralistic attitudes that Pasolini would continue to confront and critique throughout his career. In the 1950s, Pasolini moved to Rome, where he immersed himself in the city's underclass and its poverty-stricken beauty. This period marked a significant shift in his artistic focus, leading to the creation of his most famous novels, "Ragazzi di Vita" and "Una Vita Violenta," which depicted the lives of Rome's marginalized youth with brutal realism. Pasolini's transition to filmmaking in the 1960s allowed him to explore similar themes through a visual medium, resulting in a series of films that challenged societal norms and provoked controversy. Pasolini's films, such as "Accattone," "The Gospel According to St. Matthew," and "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom," are characterized by their unorthodox style, blending neorealism with classical and biblical references. His work often juxtaposed socio-political commentary with graphic examinations of taboo sexual matters, earning him both acclaim and criticism. Pasolini's exploration of themes such as poverty, sexuality, and the corruption of modern society reflected his deep engagement with the human condition and his critique of consumerist culture. Despite his controversial reputation, Pasolini's contributions to literature, film, and intellectual discourse remain significant. His ability to navigate between different artistic mediums, combined with his critical examination of societal issues, established him as a pivotal figure in 20th-century Italian culture. Pasolini's tragic and still-mysterious death on November 2, 1975, in Ostia, near Rome, marked the end of a prolific career that continues to inspire and challenge audiences and scholars alike. Pasolini's legacy is characterized by his relentless pursuit of artistic and intellectual freedom, his commitment to giving voice to the marginalized, and his fearless confrontation of societal taboos. Through his work, Pasolini remains a symbol of artistic courage and a beacon for those who seek to challenge the status quo, making him an enduring figure in the pantheon of great artists and thinkers.

Pierpaolo Pasolini 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.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749