Marilyn calze a rete (2009) Printmaking by Mimmo Rotella

Mimmo Rotella, born Domenico Rotella on October 7, 1918, in Catanzaro, Italy, was a prominent Italian artist known for his pioneering work in the technique of décollage and his association with the Nouveau Réalisme movement.

Rotella's artistic journey began with his early studies in art and literature in Naples. He initially focused on figurative painting but later shifted towards experimental techniques influenced by the avant-garde movements of the mid-20th century. In the early 1950s, Rotella developed his signature artistic method known as décollage, which involved tearing away layers of posters from urban walls. This process exposed the layers of advertising underneath, creating dynamic and textured compositions that captured the essence of contemporary urban life.

Rotella's décollage artworks often featured fragments of typography, images, and colors, arranged in chaotic and expressive compositions. His innovative approach transformed everyday materials into powerful statements about consumer culture, media saturation, and the fleeting nature of fame.

In 1960, Rotella became associated with the Nouveau Réalisme group, founded by French critic Pierre Restany, which included artists such as Yves Klein, Arman, and Jean Tinguely. Nouveau Réalisme sought to blur the boundaries between art and everyday life, embracing urban culture, mass media, and the ephemeral nature of modern society. Rotella's décollage works aligned perfectly with the movement's ethos, and he exhibited alongside his international contemporaries in significant exhibitions and events.

Beyond décollage, Rotella explored other techniques such as retro d'affiches (poster retrospectives) and effacages (erasures), where he partially erased images or text from posters to create new compositions. These methods continued to reflect his interest in the transformation of materials and the exploration of visual and textual layers.

Throughout his career, Rotella's art evolved alongside changes in society and technology. He remained active in the art world, participating in exhibitions worldwide and receiving critical acclaim for his innovative contributions to contemporary art.

Mimmo Rotella passed away on January 8, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking artistic experimentation and a profound impact on the development of post-war European art. His ability to elevate everyday materials into works of art that critique and celebrate the urban environment continues to inspire artists exploring themes of consumerism, media, and cultural identity.

• Nationality: ITALY
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Contemporary Italian Artists Artists presented by a gallery

The Artist was highlighted in an article in ArtMajeur Magazine:

Mimmo Rotella: Pioneer of Decollage and Italian Avant-Garde Art