Paolo Scirpa biography

Paolo Scirpa, born in Syracuse in 1934, is an Italian artist whose career has been marked by a constant inner search and a fervent passion for art. As a young man, he pursued artistic studies in Palermo and Catania, cultivating his passion and honing his skills. He spent a long time at the graphic workshops in Salzburg, where he had the opportunity to work in the renowned studio of Johnny Friedlander, an experience that would greatly influence his artistic path.
The turning point in Paolo Scirpa's career occurs in the 1960s when he moves to Milan, a city that would shape his artistic vision. Here, in 1965, he creates the first works of the "Sole" series, characterized by a lyrical expressionism moving towards a formal synthesis. However, it is in the 1970s that his work takes a significant turn, shifting from a two-dimensional iconography to a focus on light and space as immaterial and spectacular protagonists. This exploration results in the creation of the famous "Ludoscopi", three-dimensional works that challenge the perception of the real and the illusory through the use of mirrors and luminous tubes. For the artist, light becomes a means to represent not only the real aspect but above all the idea of infinity, an "ideal" light that particularly fascinates him. The artist skillfully uses the means at his disposal, such as neon and mirrors, to create evocative hyperspace-light, where the boundary between reality and illusion blurs."
His art is appreciated not only for its symbolic meaning but also for its playful aspect, as highlighted by illustrious figures in the art world, such as Bruno Munari. In addition to his artistic research focused on light, Paolo Scirpa demonstrates a deep interest in social and ecological issues. In 1972, he created the artwork "Megalopoli Consumistica", an important critique against consumerism, consisting of an assemblage of empty packages and discarded containers. These works testify to his sensitivity to the issues of his time and reflect a social commitment in the midst of his artistic production.
Paolo Scirpa's fame extends well beyond Italian borders. His works are exhibited in numerous international exhibitions and galleries, capturing the attention of art and science scholars. He has participated in important cultural events, such as the Salon Grands et Jeunes d'aujourd'hui in Paris and the Quadriennale di Roma. His gigantic Ludoscopes have also been projected onto buildings and monuments, creating fascinating perspective escapes in the urban landscape.
Among his most famous works are the mosaic "Maria Madre della Chiesa" in the Chapel of the International Mariapolis Center in Rocca di Papa, the monumental "Sole di San Bernardino" initially displayed outside the Cathedral of Syracuse, and the artistic cycle created for the parish church Madonna del Divin Pianto in Cernusco sul Naviglio.
The greatness of Scirpa's art is recognized by important cultural institutions, including museums and private collections in Italy and abroad. His works are present in various museum collections, such as the Museo del Novecento, the Museum Ritter, and the Musée des Beaux Arts. His influence on the contemporary art scene is significant, and his works are also used as sets and in theatrical and television productions. In addition to his career as an artist, Paolo Scirpa was also a professor at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, sharing his knowledge and passion with new generations of artists. The life and artwork of Paolo Scirpa testify to an extraordinary artistic journey still in evolution, characterized by a profound exploration of infinity and light, but also by social commitment and a constant search for new artistic expressions."