Michele Vitaloni

 

 

"Vitaloni's works are unique of its kind internationally. His art I think, also appeals the viewer on an emotional level as well as for his extraordinary talents as hyper-realistic sculptor. His animals reflect the man himself, the wild side of uman nature. Vitaloni's sculptures are offer with results still growing, at auction at Christies in London."

Tom Rooth
Associate Director British Pictures, Head of Sale
Christie's - London

 

 

Michele Vitaloni was born in Milan in 1967, but he now lives in Barzanò in the hills of Lake Como. The artistic sensibility of Vitaloni was evident since childhood. He has always been intrigued by the elegance of forms, the instinct of protection and procreation, so he started his investigative path: as a matter of fact he was fascinated especially by the deeper meanings behind these events that bind the human being to its wild side. He wanted to represent, with great skill in sculpture, the characteristics of the virtues and human values through the wild animal figure. He wants to show the elegance and refinement through an amazing animal like a zebra, or a horse with an incredible coat. The symbolism of motherhood with "The Queen of the forest", a woodcock which protectsher brood on a bed of newly fallen leaves. And yet, through his series of busts, he aims at condensing the essence of the symbol through a hymn of celebration. The thrill of a look, a simple posture, capturing the viewer's attention and opening the door of a journey to the pursuit of universal meanings which are very subjective at the same time.

The animal nature is in the nature of man: the deeper and the most unconscious.We all have to do with this instinctual part, especially when we talk about artistic inspiration: artists like Vitaloni capture and draw strength from what is unconventional and emotional and evoke energy, like fuel drawn from the deep core of the earth.The mind is "wild" as it is difficult to control it: it is like an untamed horse.Vitaloni is an artist who gives us the opportunity to tap this dimension which belongs to all human beings.

Poetry, music, literature, stage actions and performances: all the wild energy is then demonstrated by different artists in various disciplines in order to deal and fight against a sense of repression, inhibitions and fears.The goal was, and still is, freedom.

"Tyger, Tyger, burning bright in the forests of that night: what immortal hand or eye 
could frame thy fearful symmetry?" Blake wrote in the poem "The Tyger".

By hearing the roar of the tiger within us, we can escape, or find a place to make its voice being heard.

Today Vitaloni is the leading worldwide representative artist of the Wildlife Art and hyperrealistic sculpture. His approach to art is unique: both for the choice of subjects, as well as for the original technique through which he expresses himself.Vitaloni is an international artist who can boast more than 50 exhibitions, among which we remember the personal exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society in London in 2010, the Brown Castle in Portofino, the 45th Venice Biennale in 2011, and the most recent one at the prestigious Barclays Bank of Montecarlo with the illustrious presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.Several publications have released reports about his art (Corriere della Sera, Il Giornale, La Repubblica, Io donna, ARTE, Oasis, AD, Country Life, BBC Wildlife...) without forgetting the television interviews (RAI, BBC, ..).

Vitaloni also enjoys the attention of art critics such as Giorgio Celli, Jean Blancheart and Vittorio Sgarbi.

It is also important to underline that his hyperrealistic works are auctioned by Christie's in London together with those of the world's most important artists of this genre. The auctions are charachterized with very positive results that are growing annually.

Vitaloni’s work has not finished yet. The artist has also become a naturalist: he is in fact actively engaged in the protection of animals that are his source of inspiration. Giving voice to nature is Vitaloni’s motto. This is the reason why many of his exhibits are aimed also for charity and support of conservation projects, such as the Leopard Conservation Project and The Forest Trust.