Massimo Lagrotteria Contemporary Figurative Painting and Artworks

Massimo Lagrotteria is a distinguished contemporary artist born in Lucerne in 1972, currently living and working in Carpi, Italy. His artistic practice is deeply rooted in the continuous study of the human figure, exploring themes of frailty, isolation, and the search for an existential balance. Throughout his career, Massimo Lagrotteria has undergone significant periods of experimentation, utilizing a diverse range of supports including canvas, copper, iron, and wood. His early work often featured material textures created through collages of paper and cardboard, while his more recent production focuses on oil paintings characterized by a "light" approach. This later phase involves preparing canvases with enamels and acrylics before applying oil colors, often utilizing a palette dominated by shades of grey, ruddy tones, and bitumen. Massimo Lagrotteria is known for a philosophy of subtraction, where subjects seem to resign from their central position in the world to find a more authentic, quiet presence. His influences include masters such as Freud, Dumas, and Maria Lassnig. In addition to his figurative work, Massimo Lagrotteria has produced notable urban landscapes inspired by his travels to New York, as seen in his collection "L'incantesimo del caos moderno." His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Italy and Europe, including appearances at EXPO 2015 and collaborations with prestigious galleries like De' Bonis and Sciaccheart. His multifaceted approach also extends to sculpture, notably using concrete and iron to further his investigation into the human form.