Emilio Mortini at work
Key points
Franco-Italian artist born in 1972, active in sculpture and painting.
Modern and noble materials : resin, aluminum, bronze, marble.
Unique aesthetic blending popular culture and classic forms .
Born in 1972 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Emilio Mortini is a discreet but essential Franco-Italian artist on the contemporary art scene. A sculptor and painter, Mortini fascinates with his hybrid oeuvre, where the rigor of an assumed perfectionism dialogues with the raw brilliance of popular culture. Each creation becomes a bridge between the intimate and the universal, between the tangible and the invisible.
An aesthetic recognizable among a thousand
invisible man, (1996), Emilio Mortini, Sculpture - Resin, 110x50 cm
Trained early in classical techniques, Mortini has broken free from them to forge a unique visual language. From his first exhibition in New York in 1994, he established a style. Resin, aluminum, bronze, marble: his materials reveal his mastery of contrast and his taste for playing with textures. He manipulates matter like a poet plays with words: with precision and exaltation.
His iconic work “Invisible Man” (1996) illustrates this tension between presence and absence. A faceless body, without a clear identity, confronts us with our own perception of reality. “Street Man” (1998) extends this reflection with a life-size man in jogging pants, rendered invisible, almost ghostly. A subtle and powerful critique of the dehumanization of our modern societies.
A work nourished by symbols and popular culture
Air Jordan (1996), Emilio Mortini, Sculpture - Casting, 30x10 cm
Mortini's distinctive style is also his ability to elevate everyday objects to iconic status. The sculpture "Air Jordan" (1996) , depicting a marble shoe, is a vibrant tribute to youth, sport, and urban culture. By repurposing the object, Mortini questions our relationship with the idol, consumption, and collective memory.
Inspired by the street as much as by art history, Mortini develops a pop aesthetic deeply rooted in demanding artistic reflection. His sculptures do not simply seek to please; they disturb, captivate, and question.
A discreet but respected career
A discreet, almost reclusive artist, Emilio Mortini shuns the spotlight. Yet, the greatest galleries have welcomed him: Judson Gallery in New York and the prestigious Marwan Hoss gallery near Place Vendôme. With each appearance, his work creates a buzz.
Collectors are not mistaken. In 1996, the renowned patron Allan Stone commissioned a custom work from him, captivated by the emotional power of his sculptures. Since then, his creations have traveled from Paris to Monaco, from London to Miami.
street man (1998), Emilio Mortini, Sculpture - Aluminum, 180x60 cm
Why this artist matters more than ever today
At a time when the art world is seeking to reconcile depth and accessibility, Emilio Mortini emerges as a central figure. His work resonates with our times: it speaks of identity, urbanity, memory, and forgetting. Mortini is one of those rare artists whose approach is sincere, demanding, and profoundly human.
To be interested in Mortini is to connect with a singular vision, a constantly evolving body of work, an authentic emotion translated into matter. His sculptures, far beyond objects, are fragments of narrative, shards of thought solidified in bronze or marble. They have the timeless power to resonate with those who view them.
FAQ – Emilio Mortini
Who is Emilio Mortini?
A Franco-Italian sculptor and painter known for his contemporary works with pop and urban influences.
What are his most famous works?
Invisible Man , Street Man , and Air Jordan , all marked by a strong symbolic presence.
Why be interested in his work?
His works combine emotion, material, and contemporary reflection, with a strong and recognizable artistic identity.
Nicolas Sarazin
