Sandro Chia

Sandro Chia is an Italian artist born in Florence in 1946. He is associated with the Transavanguardia movement, which emerged in Italy in the late 1970s and emphasized a return to traditional art forms and materials, as well as an interest in spirituality and mythology.

Chia's work spans various mediums including painting, sculpture, and printmaking. He is known for his use of bright colors, bold brushstrokes, and his exploration of themes such as mythology, spirituality, and the human experience. His paintings often feature symbolic imagery and figures, including animals and fantastical creatures.

In the 1980s, Chia became internationally recognized, with solo exhibitions at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, among others. He was also a participant in the Venice Biennale in 1980 and 1982.

Chia's work has continued to be exhibited widely, including at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid. He has been awarded numerous prizes and honors throughout his career, including the Premio Feltrinelli by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in 1994.

Chia's art continues to be celebrated for its bold use of color and form, its exploration of spiritual and mythological themes, and its connection to traditional art forms and techniques. His work challenges viewers to consider the role of art in contemporary society and to engage with the timeless themes and motifs that have inspired artists for centuries.