Dionisio Cimarelli Explained
Dionisio Cimarelli (born September 8, 1965 in Jesi, Italy) is an Italian sculptor known for his expertise in both classical and contemporary figurative sculptures in particularly in marble and Chinese porcelain and a sculpture of Matteo Ricci.[1] [2] With over three decades of experience, he has contributed to significant restoration projects and influenced future generations through teaching positions at institutions such as The Art Students League of New York[3] [4],where he was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor, the New York Academy of Art[5] [6] and the Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City.
His career started at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara, Italy, where he began to hone his skills in classical sculpture. His expertise led him to collaborate on restoration projects at prominent monuments, including the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Royal Stockholm Palace. Throughout his career, his works have been exhibited in galleries and museums such as MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai, the Berlin Philharmonie, the Venice Biennale, and the Beijing International Art Biennale, among others. His contributions to the field of sculpture have been recognized with numerous awards, affirming his role in contemporary art.
Early life
He was born in Jesi, and at the age of seven, his family moved to the nearby town of Moie di Maiolati Spontini, the birthplace of the composer Gaspare Spontini. Despite having no familial ties to the arts or exposure to artistic discourse, he displayed an early and profound sensitivity toward the world of art. In 1975, his talent was recognized when he won first prize in the Premio Natale, a local art competition designed exclusively for primary school students.
Education
In 1983, Cimarelli earned a diploma in sculpture at Liceo artistico (formerly Istituto Statale d'Arte "E. Mannucci") in Ancona, Italy.
In 1989, he graduated in sculpture from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara, Italy. To collect information for his thesis, in 1986 Dionisio traveled to China on the Trans-Siberian Railway[7] to China.[8] [9] The trip was made possible by a letter of invitation from the sculptor, then president of the Art Academy. His travel history and his pictures while traveling were published in July 1988 on the Italian magazine “Tuttoturismo” in Milan, Italy.[10]
In 1994, Cimarelli was awarded a diploma in sculpture at Scola prufesciunela per la artejanat artistich (School of specialization in sculpture of wooden figure) in Sëlva di Val Gardena, Italy. In 1995, he enrolled at the University of Paris in Paris, France. In 1997, he studied with sculptor Mikhail Anikushin at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 1998, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts, Prague, Czech Republic.
Work
AbstractBeginning his career with the creation of abstract anthropomorphic shapes inspired by surrealism, the artist explored a variety of materials from 1983 to 1990, including terracotta, ceramic, wood, bronze, and marble. These works reflect an experimentation with movement and form, aiming to capture the essence of human and natural elements in non-figurative compositions. His first solo exhibition of abstract sculptures, held at the Berliner Philharmonie in Berlin in 1999 at the invitation of Maestro Claudio Abbado, marked a turning point in his career, introducing his work to an international audience.
RealismThe transition to realism in 1991 was profoundly influenced by the artist's restoration work at the Louvre Museum in Paris. During this period, he developed a deep understanding of classical techniques, which he applied to the creation of figurative sculptures. By studying the works of Renaissance and Baroque old masters, he refined his skill in human representation, working with materials such as marble, ceramics, wood and bronze. One of his most significant works from this period is the marble sculpture of St. John the Baptist,[11] created in 2001 and first exhibited in Oslo, Norway. The piece garnered attention for its adherence to realist techniques while also showcasing stylistic innovation.
Figurative Chinese Series From 2007 to 2008, a series of contemporary figurative sculptures in porcelain [12] was developed in Jingdezhen, in the Jiangxi province of China,[13] a city historically renowned as the "capital of porcelain." This series represents a unique synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions, combining aesthetic elements and techniques from both Italian and Chinese heritage. The vibrant and jewel-like surface finishing evoke traditional Chinese glazing methods, while the integration of Italian sculptural aesthetics adds a distinct intercultural dimension. These works have been exhibited in various international galleries and museums, highlighting their contribution to the ongoing cultural dialogue between East and West.
Restoration
Cimarelli has participated in several large sculptural and architectural restoration projects.
- Louvre Museum, Paris (1990-1991): Contributed to the restoration of the Cour Napoléon, part of the largest restoration project at the Louvre in the 20th century, which surrounded the iconic Louvre Pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. This undertaking required the use of modern sculptural techniques combined with classical knowledge, ensuring a harmonious integration between contemporary architectural elements and the museum’s historical fabric.
- Christiansborg Palace Chapel, Copenhagen, Denmark (1995): Responsible for the reconstruction of the sculptures within this historic royal chapel following a significant fire and the collapse of the dome. The restoration project required the use of advanced stucco restoration techniques to repair and reconstruct the neoclassical sculptures, ensuring the preservation of both their structural and aesthetic integrity. This work was essential in maintaining the cultural and historical significance of one of Denmark's most important heritage sites.
- Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, France (1998): Contributed to the restoration of Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. His work focused on the façade and the sculptural and decorative elements, adhering to the Gothic architecture style and using the same materials as those employed during the original construction period.
- Porte d'Aix, Marseille, France (1998): The restoration of this iconic triumphal arch required complex stonework intervention. The focus was on the recovery of the detailed decorative reliefs, which had undergone significant deterioration over time due to exposure to the elements.
- Institution of Civil Engineers Headquarters, London, England (2002): Contributed to the restoration of the historic interior of this landmark building in Westminster, London. The focus was on the reconstruction of its classical Carrara marble and stucco sculptures, ensuring the preservation of the building's architectural integrity and its significance in British engineering history.
- Stockholm Palace and House of Nobility, Stockholm, Sweden (2003)[14]
Restoration work on these two of Stockholm's most important palaces involved the reconstruction of stone sculptures and decorations, utilizing modern techniques and contemporary materials to ensure both aesthetic and structural preservation. These efforts were essential in restoring the grandeur of buildings that hold a central place in Sweden's royal and cultural heritage.
Zhongkai Sheshan Villas
From 2007-2010, Cimarelli[15] served as Art Supervisor[16] for the Zhongkai Sheshan Villas in Shanghai, China. Designed by ten architectural firms from United States, the project consisted of 81 contemporary luxury villas. Four of the villas were designed by Mack Scogin of Mack Scogin Merrill Elam, architect and adjunct Professor of Architecture at Harvard University. Built with stone, marble, wood, and metal, Cimarelli oversaw the quality of materials and construction for the project.
Matteo Ricci sculpture
Inspired by Matteo Ricci[17] since his first visit to China in 1986, this sculpture [18] was created for the Italy Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010,[19] commemorating the 400th anniversary of Ricci's death.[20] The sculpture, a blend of Italian and Chinese cultural elements, was exhibited throughout the whole duration of the Expo, where it was seen by a large international audience.
Crafted in his Shanghai studio,[21] the sculpture also features calligraphy painted by a Chinese calligrapher, adding an authentic cultural layer to the work. After the Expo, the sculpture was displayed for two years at the Italian Embassy in Beijing and was later acquired by the Government of the Marche Region. It is now permanently installed at the entrance of the Confucius Institute in Macerata, while the original plaster model is permanently exhibited at the entrance of the Consulate General[22] [23] [24] [25] [26] of Italy in Shanghai, symbolizing the enduring cultural exchange between Italy and China.[27] [28]
Academic Contributions and lectures
Cimarelli has served as a visiting scholar at several prestigious institutions, including the Faculty of Fine Arts of Bundipatanasilpa Institute University[29] in Bangkok, Thailand; Wimbledon College of Art in London, England; and King Saud University[30] in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
His international lecturing experience spans numerous esteemed universities, such as Sir J.J. School of Art at the University of Mumbai, India; Silliman University[31] [32] in Dumaguete, Philippines; China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China; China Central Academy of Fine Arts and Beijing Renwen University[33] in Beijing, China;[34] and Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto, Canada.
He has also been a distinguished guest speaker at various respected venues and events, including the "RISO" Museum of Contemporary Art in Palermo in Italy;[35] High Street Italia[36] Seoul in South Korea, University Club of New York[37] for the Annual Savoy History Lecture,[38] Columbia University.[39] in New York City; Montclair University[40] (New Jersey) USA, The Art Students League of New York;[41] [42] the Italian Cultural Institute in San Francisco,[43] [44] [45] California[46] USA; the Diocesan Museum in Jesi, Italy; and the Beijing International Sculpture Forum organized by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China and China Sculpture Magazine[47] .Additionally, he has presented at Mingyuan Art Centre[48] and at Shanghai Library in Shanghai, China.[49] In 2019, he was invited to share his extraordinary life and artistic journey at Theatre Carlo Goldoni in Corinaldo[50] and at the Academy of Fine Arts of Macerata,[51] in Italy.
Awards and honors
- 2024 Inclusion in the Treccani Encyclopedia, Italy[52]
- 2023 Emeritus Instructor Status from the Art Students League of New York[53]
- 2019 "Marchigiano of the Year in the world", at Senate of Italy in Rome[54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [59] [60]
- 2015 Permanent Residence United States for Alien of extraordinary ability[61]
- 2011 Spontini D'Oro, Maiolati Spontini, Italy[62]
- 1997 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rome, Italy
- 1996 National Sculpture Society,[63] New York, NY
- 1995 New York Academy of Art, New York, NY
Selected Exhibitions
- Berlin Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
- Wilhelm Galerie, Potsdam, Germany
- Galleri Asur, Oslo, Norway
- Consulate General of Italy, Shanghai, China[64]
- Embassy of Italy, Cultural Institute, Beijing, China[65] [66] [67] [68] [69] [70]
- Italian Center, Shanghai, China[71]
- Beijing International Art Biennale, Beijing, China[72]
- Shanghai International Biennial City Sculpture Exhibition, Shanghai, China
- Dumaguete Terracotta Sculpture Biennale, Dumaguete, Philippines
- Moon River, Contemporary Art Museum, Beijing, China
- MOCA Shanghai, Museum Of Contemporary Art, Shanghai, China
- Chinese International Sculpture Almanac Exhibition, Beijing / Hangzhou, China
- Shanghai Art Museum, Shanghai, China
- Expo 2010, Italian Pavilion, Shanghai, China[73] [74]
- Venice Biennale - Padiglione ITALIA nel Mondo, Venice, Italy
- China Nandaihe International Sculpture Exhibition, Nandaihe, China
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Macerata[75] Macerata, Italy
- The Art Students League of New York, USA[76]
Film and documentary
External links
Living people
Notes and References
- Italian Sculptor Carves a Niche by Wang Jie, Shanghai Daily, July 2, 2010
- Servant of God Lives On , China Daily, October 15, 2010
- https://www.theartstudentsleague.org/instructor/dionisio-cimarelli/ Dionisio Cimarelli
- https://www.lavocedinewyork.com/en/arts/2019/03/14/sculptor-dionisio-cimarelli-honored-by-the-art-students-league-of-new-york/ Sculptor Dionisio Cimarelli Honored by the Art Students League of New York
- Web site: Dionisio Cimarelli . 2019-08-20 . 2019-08-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190820192317/https://nyaa.edu/graduate-program/faculty/dionisio-cimarelli/ . live .
- https://www.lavocedinewyork.com/en/arts/2016/11/28/dionisio-cimarelli-from-china-to-new-york-with-art/ Dionisio Cimarelli: From China to New York, With Art
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcZJyRtsdew "Italian sculptor eyes China’s changes"
- http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/03/WS5bb3c60da310eff303280904.html Italian sculptor eyes China’s changes VIDEO
- http://www.newschinamag.com/newschina/articleDetail.do?article_id=1016§ion_id=29&magazine_id= When Traditional Chinese Art Meets A Modern Italian
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7QhWG6lRIU Il Volto dell'Oriente
- https://asllinea.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Cimarelli.jpg St. John the Baptist in Carrara marble
- Web site: La Voce di New York. 2021-03-09. 2019-07-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20190714134447/http://www.lavocedinewyork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dionisio-cimarelli-bambini.jpg. live.
- https://issuu.com/lifeandpeople/docs/lifeandpeople-dicembre-2013/152 Life and People Magazine
- Web site: DIONISIO and his Restoration of World Heritage Monuments. LOUVRE MUSEUM, ROYAL CHURCH Copenhagen..... www.youtube.com. 2019-08-21. 2023-10-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20231021140206/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnE3QybyJOk. live.
- http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/02/WS5bb2c194a310eff30328085c_2.html Italian sculptor eyes China's changes
- http://msmearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2010-Domus-Plus.pdf Zhongkai Sheeshan Luxury Villas
- http://en.cncnews.cn/news/v_show/66386_A_journey_to_the_East.shtml A journey to the East
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_UgfvPBKtY&list=PL41cpyl0a4nkCeaWWh0tLEkNE2Na6Fs9E Living in China, Italian artist tells his journey
- https://www.pressreader.com/@Dionisio_Cimarelli.1/csb_CBhJ9zdNedbOLuZ-656UKKLaMyx3CbEn-ldCCxIceqqy4tQX-mZNTxpourOXZCCK Italian Sculptor carve a niche
- https://es.slideshare.net/DionisioCimarelli/matteo-ricci DIONISIO'S MATTEO RICCI
- https://eng.yidaiyilu.gov.cn/qwyw/rdxw/16675.htm Italian sculptor expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now
- Web site: Dionisio Cimarelli. 2016-04-23. 2016-09-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20160926122830/http://italianiashanghai.blogspot.com/2010/09/il-maestro-cimarelli-una-lunga.html. live.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013525/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/world/china-watch/culture/sculptor-dionisio-cimarelli-in-china/ Italian sculptor eyes China's changes
- https://web.archive.org/web/20170619225101/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-06/20/c_136378632.htm Italian sculptor once follows legend to China, expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now
- http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/02/WS5bb2c194a310eff30328085c.html Italian sculptor eyes China's changes
- http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-06/19/content_29803225.htm Italian sculptor once follows legend to China, expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now
- http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2010-10/15/content_11413963.htm Servant of God lives on
- https://travel.ifeng.com/news/china/detail_2013_03/28/23638216_0.shtml 利玛窦雕塑重回上海意大利中心
- https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/retediplomatica/2023/03/bangkok-conferenza-e-workshop-con-scultore-dionisio-cimarelli/?fbclid=IwAR2lnjbTyqTqE5lHZ1mDgod8KcaTpANxdTtNNPfI9q8rrwGknvOW9weG21E Bangkok: conference and workshop with sculptor Dionisio Cimarelli
- Visiting Italian Artist Says Saudi Interest in Art Is Tremendous , Arab News, December 24, 2003
- http://archives.visayandailystar.com/2007/July/07/negor3.htm Terracotta Art Festival
- GK children witness Terra Cotta Festival in Dumaguete , Global Nation Inquire, (Manila-Philippines) July 12, 2007
- Web site: Beijing renwen university . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221546/http://www.bjrwdx.com/english/index.htm . 2016-03-03 .
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190820214825/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-06/19/c_136377542.htm Feature: Italian sculptor once follows legend to China, expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now
- https://www.prima-pagina.com/2024/04/23/lo-scultore-dionisio-cimarelli-a-palermo-al-museo-riso-viaggio-nel-contemporaneo/Lo scultore Dionisio Cimarelli a Palermo Al Museo Riso “Viaggio nel Contemporaneo”
- https://iicseoul.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/master-lecture-of-dionisio-cimarelli/ Master Lecture of Dionisio Cimarelli "A life in Art"
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9waCDRN4eU.html Fifteen Annual Savoy History Lecture and reception
- Web site: Savoy History Lecture Series . 2019-08-20 . 2019-08-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190820200345/https://www.savoyfoundation-usa.org/savoy-history-lecture-series.html . live .
- http://www.cafa.com.cn/en/opinions/interviews/details/8326949?fbclid=IwAR3uCvvAOoHV-tB_HbeTqEoBn99ES0tQesieBAlCdP1c-pT3d3I3aiTlNKs/ Interview with Dionisio Cimarelli:"The sculpture has to be a sample of life.”
- https://www.montclair.edu/calendar/view-event.php?id=49053 A Conversation with Sculptor Dionisio Cimarelli: An Italian and his Chinese love affair through art
- https://www.theartstudentsleague.org/event/gallery-lecture-restoration-classical-european-sculpture-dionisio-cimarelli/ The Restoration of Classical European Sculpture
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnE3QybyJOk DIONISIO and his Restoration of World Heritage Monuments
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVsWx3XS5ZI Dionisio's Sculptural Exploration VIDEO
- https://iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it/iic_sanfrancisco/en/gli_eventi/calendario/2014/12/dionisio-esplora-la-scultura.html Dionisio's Sculpture Exploration
- https://sanfranciscoitaly.com/post/104763766863/tonight-italian-master-sculptor-and-longtime Tonight: Italian Master Sculptor and Longtime Chinese Resident at the ICC
- https://italoamericano.org/story/2014-12-21/Cimarelli Lo scultore Dionisio Cimarelli: la versione in arte contemporanea di Marco Polo
- http://www.diaosunet.com/member/user1/949/profile.asp Dionisio Cimarelli
- http://www.mingyuanartmuseum.com/page/gaikuang/index.php Gaikuang
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghmpSnrMyUI Shanghai Library
- https://www.viverejesi.it/2019/06/10/corinaldo-piacevole-conversazione-con-lartista-cimarelli-teatro-sold-out/733789/ Conversazione con lo scultore Dionisio Cimarelli
- http://www.abamc.it/it/component/content/article/18-news/mostre-ed-eventi/4535-incontro-con-lo-scultore-dionisio-cimarelli.html INCONTRO CON LO SCULTORE DIONISIO CIMARELLI
- https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/eol-cimarelli-dionisio/
- https://theartstudentsleague.org/instructors-old/instructors-emeriti/ "Instructors Emeriti"
- https://www.lavocedinewyork.com/arts/arte-e-design/2019/05/31/lo-scultore-e-maestro-a-ny-dionisio-cimarelli-premiato-marchigiano-dellanno/ Lo scultore e maestro a NY Dionisio Cimarelli premiato Marchigiano dell’Anno
- http://www.regione.marche.it/Entra-in-Regione/Marchigiani-nel-mondo/News-ed-eventi/Post/50783 XXXIV EDIZIONE DEL PREMIO “MARCHIGIANO DELL’ANNO 2018”
- http://www.ln-international.net/Home/News/4069/lo-scultore-e-professore-dionisio-cimarelli-e-stato-insignito-del-premio-marchigiano-dell-anno-nel-mondo- Lo scultore e professore Dionisio Cimarelli e` stato insignito del premio "Marchigiano dell'anno nel mondo"
- https://twnews.it/it-news/dionisio-cimarelli-premiato-come-marchigiano-dell-anno-nel-mondo Dionisio Cimarelli premiato come “Marchigiano dell’anno nel mondo”
- Web site: "Marchigiano dell'anno nel mondo" a Dionisio Cimarelli . 6 May 2019 . 20 August 2019 . 20 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190820201626/https://www.marchenews24.it/marchigiano-dellanno-nel-mondo-a-dionisio-cimarelli-29850.html . live .
- https://www.aise.it/eletti-allestero/alderisi-fi-premia-il-maestro-dionisio-cimarelli-marchigiano-dellanno-nel-mondo-/131423/159 MAESTRO DIONISIO CIMARELLI “MARCHIGIANO DELL’ANNO NEL MONDO
- https://www.viveremarche.it/2019/06/03/lartista-dionisio-cimarelli-marchigiano-dellanno-nel-mondo-premiato-in-senato/732864/ L'artista Dionisio Cimarelli "Marchigiano dell'anno nel mondo” premiato in Senato
- http://www.rai.it/dl/RaiTV/programmi/media/ContentItem-3e03ad34-ce8c-411d-8fff-8e0c7d617209.html Rai Italia. Dionisio Cimarelli / New York...
- https://www.viverejesi.it/2006/03/08/maiolati-spontini-carbini-ringrazia-lartista-cimarelli/140337/ Maiolati Spontini:Il Sindaco Carbini ringrazia l’artista Dionisio Cimarelli
- Web site: Welcome to the National Sculpture Society . https://web.archive.org/web/20130405045536/http://www.nationalsculpture.org/nssN/index.cfm . 2013-04-05 .
- https://es.slideshare.net/DionisioCimarelli/dionisio-cimarelli-catalogue-sculture-e-disegni Dionisio Cimarelli. Sculture e disegni
- https://es.slideshare.net/DionisioCimarelli/dionisio-cimarelli-sculptures-in-chinese-porcelain DIONISIO CIMARELLI. Sculptures in Chinese porcelain.
- http://italian.cri.cn/241/2008/06/11/125@104509.htm Dionisio Cimarelli: porcellana per costruire un ponte fra Italia e Cina
- http://italian.cri.cn/861/2014/02/19/223s206873.htm Porcellana cinese e Rinascimento italiano: l'esperienza del maestro Dionisio Cimarelli in Cina
- http://italian.cri.cn/other/magazine/2012magazine/20141008b.pdf Dionisio Cimarelli racconta la sua avventura artistica. Pag.54
- http://www.jdzmc.com/Article/Class12/Class34/Class45/10598.html 用中文
- http://lianghui.china.com.cn/info/txt/2008-05/13/content_15197581.htm 狄奥尼西奥·契玛莱利“中国瓷雕展览”14日开幕
- Web site: Shanghai Italian Center Virtual Tour - A www.virtualiter.net Production - v2.0. www.virtualiter.net. 2023-05-15. 2023-05-15. https://web.archive.org/web/20230515065318/https://www.virtualiter.net/its/cimarelli/. live.
- http://arabic.china.org.cn/english/culture/142905.htm, China Daily (Beijing) September 21, 2005
- Dionisio Cimarelli. Expo Constructions in the Eyes of a Sculptor , CNKI Journal, March 2010
- Italian and Chinese artist, Italy Pavilion at Shanghai World EXPO 2010 , City Week-end, October 20, 2010
- https://www.abamc.it/mostre-e-eventi/item/incontro-con-lo-scultore-dionisio-cimarelli INCONTRO CON LO SCULTORE DIONISIO CIMARELLI
- https://iicnewyork.esteri.it/iic_newyork/en/gli_eventi/calendario/2015/12/le-sculture-del-maestro-dionisio-cimarelli.html Sculptures of maestro Dionisio Cimarelli
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdNdfR8K_Kg Dionisio Cimarelli Sculptor