Pier Paolo Calzolari

Pier Paolo Calzolari is an Italian artist known for his innovative use of materials and his explorations of light, space, and time. He initially gained prominence through his association with the Arte Povera movement.

Biography of Pier Paolo Calzolari

Pier Paolo Calzolari was born in 1943, in Bologna, Italy. Presently, he resides in Lisbon, Portugal.

During his formative years, Calzolari predominantly resided in Venice. However, in 1965, he relocated to Bologna, where he established his studio at Palazzo Bentivoglio. During this time, he created his first influential artworks. Notably, the Palazzo also served as a space for various international artists to showcase their creations, including the first film screenings by artists like Ari Marcopoulos, Jonas Mekas, and Andy Warhol, marking their debut on Italian soil.

From 1966 to 1967, Calzolari dedicated his efforts to crafting his inaugural performance piece titled "Il filtro e Benvenuto all'angelo" (The Filter and Welcome to the Angel).

Between 1968 and 1969, Calzolari served as an assistant professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Urbino. Over the years, his dedication and expertise were recognized, leading to his promotion to the position of professor during the 2002-2003 academic term.

In 1969, Calzolari participated in the renowned exhibition "Live In Your Head: When Attitudes Become Form," curated by Harald Szeemann at the Kunsthalle Bern. This historic show showcased Calzolari's art alongside the works of other notable artists, making it a significant moment in his career.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Calzolari actively took part in exhibitions held at prestigious institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York (1994), MoMA PS1 in New York, and The Royal Academy of Arts, solidifying his presence in the international art scene.

Calzolari's art has found a place in esteemed collections around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago, IL; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY; Sammlung Goetz, Munich, Germany; Centre Pompidou, Paris, France; and Palazzo Grassi, Punta della Dogana François Pinault Foundation, Venice, Italy, among others. 

Pier Paolo Calzolari's Art Style

Calzolari's artistic endeavors embrace a profound fascination with the alchemical, intertwining it with an exploration of light's possibilities, the essence of memory, and the poetic allure found in both the natural world and the urban environment.

Calzolari's artistic approach revolves around using an array of unique and defining materials. His artistic palette is also characterized by elemental and often organic substances, including fire, salt, lead, tobacco, moss, burnt wood, oyster shells, tobacco leaves, felt neon, and occasionally even butter.

While often identified as an installation artist, Calzolari's art practice includes painting, sculpture, and performance. As early as 1966, he delved into the realm of "happenings," skillfully drawing viewers into his art as active participants, transforming them into performers within the artwork, in what he termed "an activation of space." This innovative approach allowed spectators to become an integral part of the artistic experience, fostering a profound connection between the audience and the artwork.

Calzolari continues to work and exhibit his art today, and his influence can be seen in the work of many artists who have come after him. He is known for his ability to create visually stunning and intellectually engaging and for his innovative approach to materials and media.