Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago - Virginio Ferrari..

Virginio Ferrari at his Studio in the Loop, Chicago..

Continuing with my series on Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago, here is Virginio Ferrari, a big name in the international sculpture scene, with artworks all around the world, in public spaces, museums and private collection. Virginio Ferrari is an Italian sculptor, born in Verona. In the middle of the 1960s, he came to Chicago. From 1966 until 1976, he was the artist in residence, and professor of art at the University of Chicago. He now divides his time between Chicago and Verona. Chicago contains more than thirty of his public sculptures. I have documented two:
- Being Born [1983]
- Dialogo [1971]

Being Born, [1983].. click here..
Location: The intersection of Ontario, Ohio, and Orleans Sts..
at the Ohio Street exit of the Kennedy Expressway

Dialogo [1971].. click here..
Location: University of Chicago, Albert Pick Hall for International Studies..

Ferrari's work reflect various stylistic developments ranging from formalist to abstract expressionism, surrealist and minimalist periods. Works in traditional materials, such as bronze, marble and wood to industrial materials including stainless steel, corten steel and aluminum, as well as experimental materials like naugahyde, plastics and found objects.

Virginio Ferrari at his studio, in the Loop.. He gave me many catalogs and reading materials. This is him, signing an autograph for me.
[YES! I am very lucky!]

One of the catalogs has an Artist Statement..
In an urban environment with its social problems, the individual can decide either to become involved or to remain indifferent, but he must make that choice again each day since the problems remain. They are part of society and have made the city. Art, architecture and city planning are extremely important and they take shape from this urban reality. I have been completely involved with this reality, its negative/positive dynamics, its empty and full spaces.

Today, in this period of mass production of images, of mass production in general, it is perhaps time to consider how fast things disappear and to become more aware of the process of making art to live with.

Consequently, my sculptures since 1963 have interacted with the enviornment, often playfully in contrast to it, at other times fully participating in it.

I want to create situations that delight the eye, in the parks, in the streets and in the squares and corners of the city. I want the passerby to be pleasantly surprized to meet up with sculpture, as though it were a natural part of the city landscape. The interaction of sculpture with casual observer can give modern city a human dimension.
- Virginio Ferrari.

Below are some images Itook at his studio..

My Special Thanks goes to another talented sculptor Jason Verbeek, who made my meeting with a giant in the international public art scene, Virginio Ferrari possible!

RELATED LINKS:
Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago: Various Artists..