Azzuro Mediterraneo, 1964-1965
Enamel on wood fabric
32 x 32 inches | 80 x 80 cm
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Armando Marrocco (b. 1939, Galatina, Lecce, Italy) began his career as an apprentice in artisan workshops, where he developed a fascination with manual skills and a variety of materials. Early in his career, he was inspired by the interplay of simple materials such as wood, white corrugated cardboard, and canvas. During the late '50s and early '60s, Marrocco created the Bianco Mediterraneo series, informal works that highlighted his focus on the role of materials and their combinations.
In addition to his work with materials, Marrocco explored environmental installations and performance art. He experimented with body language in projects like Environment Man, Earth, Sky, Sea, and Man, and engaged in other forms of communication with pieces such as Sconcerto. A significant turning point in his career occurred at the end of 1962 when Lucio Fontana encouraged him to move to Milan, a city vibrant with artistic activity. In Milan, Marrocco began exhibiting at prominent galleries and connected with Pierre Restany, founder of Nouveau Réalisme. This period marked the beginning of his broader exhibition history, including a notable appearance at the 2010 Venice Biennale.