Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Mario Schifano Biography
Mario Schifano, born on September 20, 1934, in Homs, Libya, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Italian art scene, particularly known for his contributions to the Pop Art movement. His life, marked by a blend of artistic innovation and personal tumult, spanned across several decades until his death on January 26, 1998, in Rome, Italy. Schifano's journey from Libya to Rome after World War II set the stage for a career that would see him become one of the most significant post-war artists in Italy, often drawing comparisons to Andy Warhol for his influence and style within the Pop Art domain.
Schifano's early life was steeped in art; his father, an archaeologist and restorer, introduced him to the world of ceramics restoration, a trade that Schifano learned but soon transcended to pursue painting. His initial works were bold monochrome canvases, characterized by their use of glued wrapping paper and stencils, which quickly garnered critical acclaim. This acclaim led to several exhibitions in Italy and the USA, capturing the attention of internationally renowned art dealer Ileana Sonnabend. Schifano's artistic endeavors were not confined to painting alone; he was also involved in film-making, music, and had a notable presence in the social circles that included figures like Cy Twombly, Jean-Luc Godard, and members of the Rolling Stones.
In the early 1960s, Schifano's focus shifted towards the urban landscape of Rome and the burgeoning culture of commercialization. He began to incorporate elements like colored Perspex, corporate logos, and layered paper into his works, exploring the intersection of street and popular culture. His frequent travels to the USA during this period allowed his works to be exhibited alongside those of American pop artists, further cementing his place within the Pop Art movement.
Schifano's work during the mid-1960s took a more political turn, reflecting the global wave of protests and social unrest. His Comrades series, for instance, featured black spray-painted silhouettes of political protestors, embodying the artist's commentary on the serialisation of protest and politics. This period also saw Schifano engaging with film, inspired by the improvisational principles of Jean-Luc Goddard, and directing several 16mm films that explored themes of human condition and societal critique.
Despite his artistic success, Schifano's life was not without its struggles. His tumultuous relationships, most notably with Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull, and a persistent battle with drug addiction, which led to multiple prison sentences, painted a picture of a man constantly grappling with the demons of fame and excess. Yet, these personal battles did not hinder his creative output; if anything, they added a layer of depth and complexity to his work, making him a figure of fascination both in and out of the art world.
Schifano's legacy is multifaceted. As an artist, he was a pioneer of Italian Pop Art, whose works continue to be celebrated for their vibrant critique of consumer culture and their innovative use of materials and media. As a person, he embodied the rock'n'roll spirit of the 1960s and 70s, living a life that was as colorful and tumultuous as the era itself. His contributions to the art world have been recognized in major retrospectives and exhibitions, both in Italy and internationally, ensuring that his influence continues to be felt long after his passing. Schifano's life and work remain a testament to the power of art to reflect, critique, and transcend the times.
Mario Schifano 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: