Lorenzo Quinn created 2017’s most talked about sculpture. His 2017 work – a giant white pair of hands made from resin – were placed in the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Remaining in place outside the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel until the spring of 2018, Quinn was the “it” artist following his wonderful Venice Biennale piece’s completion. The Contemporary Italian artist has become famous for his creative and thought-provoking works, and his work is highly anticipated by the art world. Quinn has been creating works of art for more than 30 years, and challenging viewers’ preconceived notions of what sculptures should be.
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Born in Rome, Italy in 1966, Quinn was the child of actor Anthony Quinn. Mexican-American by birth, Quinn spent many of his early years in the United States with his parents. Quinn’s father greatly influenced him, and from an early age, it was acting that seemed more likely to be Quinn’s career destination. However, as time wore on, Quinn became more and more interested in the artworld, perhaps due to his mother working as a custom designer and creating pieces of art worn by actors.
It wasn’t film outfits that excited Quinn, but paintings. He trained at the American Academy of the Fine Arts to become a surrealist painter. Yet, it was sculpting that was Quinn’s true calling. The sculptor’s work has been greatly influenced by legendary artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Rodin. But his sculptures have a voice and meaning all their own.
Many of Quinn’s formative sculpting years were spent in New York City. In 1988, he married Giovanna Cicutto and the two have been together for more than 30 years. The couple decided New York City wasn’t the place to raise their soon to be growing family. The pair made the decision to move to Spain as they felt the country would provide a better environment for their children.
Quinn’s works have featured in private and public collections all over the world. In 2005, his piece known as Rise Through Education was unveiled in Doha, Qatar. Commissioned by the country, the sculpture was placed at the ASPIRE sports academy.
Rise Through Education
Three years later, an exhibition known as Evolution was unveiled in London, England. It showcased many of the works Quinn had created. The Halcyon Gallery, which had hosted the work, also published a book on the artist’s career defining sculptures.
Quinn has continued to have new works on display at galleries across the globe. In addition, the Halcyon Gallery has continued to dedicate exhibits to the Rome-born artist. Quinn’s work has been called inspirational and profound. One of his most thought-provoking pieces was unveiled in December 2017. Known as A Dangerous Game, the sculpture debuted at Miami Art Week. The piece continued Quinn’s reputation as one of the greatest sculptors of all-time. In 2021, Quinn participated in Egypt’s first international art exhibition at the Giza Pyramids. His work will now be seen in a completely different atmosphere than ever before.
A Dangerous Game
Quinn continues to create, innovate and build artwork that challenges what people believe a sculpture can be. His work calls on people to think about world issues such as climate change, war and love.
The Force of Nature
Images courtesy of Lorenzo Quinn
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