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Dionisio Cimarelli

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Dionisio Cimarelli
Dionisio Cimarelli at Harvard Club, New York (2018)
Born(1965-09-08)September 8, 1965
Jesi, Italy
NationalityItalian
EducationAccademia di Belle Arti di Carrara
Imperial Academy of Arts
Academy of Fine Arts Prague
Known forArtist
Notable workMatteo Ricci sculpture
StyleAbstract and Figurative Sculpture

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

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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

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In 1983, Cimarelli earned a diploma in sculpture at Liceo artistico Edgardo Mannucci [it] (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 Floriano Bodini [it], then president of the Art Academy. His travel history and his pictures while traveling were published on 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

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The pleasant dream, 1985 Bronze, H 50 cm
1989 Ceramic
St. John the Baptist 2001, Carrara Marble H.150 cm.
Child N.7, 2008 Chinese Porcelain, H 60 cm
Child, Chinese Porcelain 2008
Matteo Ricci, Gilded Fiberglass with 24K Gold Leaf and Calligraphy, 150 cm, 2010

Abstract Beginning 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.

Realism The 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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Cimarelli has also been a distinguished guest speaker at various notable 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

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Selected Exhibitions

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Film and documentary

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References

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  1. ^ Italian Sculptor Carves a Niche Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine by Wang Jie, Shanghai Daily, July 2, 2010
  2. ^ Servant of God Lives On Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine, China Daily, October 15, 2010
  3. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli Archived 2020-09-23 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Sculptor Dionisio Cimarelli Honored by the Art Students League of New York Archived 2019-05-05 at the Wayback Machine La Voce di New York (New York) March 14, 2019
  5. ^ "Dionisio Cimarelli". Archived from the original on 2019-08-20. Retrieved 2019-08-20.
  6. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli: From China to New York, With Art Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine La Voce di New York (New York) November 28, 2016
  7. ^ "Italian sculptor eyes China’s changes" Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine China Daily US, October 2, 2018
  8. ^ Italian sculptor eyes China’s changes VIDEO Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China Daily (Beijing) October 3, 2018
  9. ^ When Traditional Chinese Art Meets A Modern Italian Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine News China (New York) December 14, 2016
  10. ^ Il Volto dell'Oriente Archived 2023-11-08 at the Wayback Machine TuttoTurismo, Domus-Milano (Italia) Luglio 1988
  11. ^ St. John the Baptist in Carrara marble Archived 2022-08-13 at the Wayback Machine 2001
  12. ^ "La Voce di New York". Archived from the original on 2019-07-14. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  13. ^ Life and People Magazine Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine (Italia) Dicembre 2013
  14. ^ "DIONISIO and his Restoration of World Heritage Monuments. LOUVRE MUSEUM, ROYAL CHURCH Copenhagen..." Archived from the original on 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2019-08-21 – via www.youtube.com.
  15. ^ Italian sculptor eyes China's changes Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China Daily (Beijing) October 2, 2018
  16. ^ Zhongkai Sheeshan Luxury Villas Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, Domus Plus, July 8, 2010
  17. ^ A journey to the East Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine CNC NEWS (Beijing) August 4, 2017
  18. ^ Living in China, Italian artist tells his journey Archived 2021-12-05 at the Wayback Machine New China TV (Beijing) August 4, 2017
  19. ^ Italian Sculptor carve a niche[permanent dead link] Shanghai Daily (China) July 1, 2010
  20. ^ DIONISIO'S MATTEO RICCI Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine ITALY Pavilion Shanghai World EXPO 2010
  21. ^ Italian sculptor expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Belt and Road Portal (Beijing)China. June 20, 2017
  22. ^ "Dionisio Cimarelli". Archived from the original on 2016-09-26. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
  23. ^ Italian sculptor eyes China's changes The Telegraph, (London) October 22, 2018
  24. ^ Italian sculptor once follows legend to China, expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now Xinhua-New China (Beijing) 20 June 2017
  25. ^ Italian sculptor eyes China's changes Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China Daily (Beijing) October 2, 2018
  26. ^ Italian sculptor once follows legend to China, expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China Daily (Beijing) June 19, 2017
  27. ^ Servant of God lives on Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine China Daily (Beijing) October 15, 2010
  28. ^ 利玛窦雕塑重回上海意大利中心 Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Travel.Ifeng (Shanghai) March 28, 2013
  29. ^ Bangkok: conference and workshop with sculptor Dionisio Cimarelli Archived 2023-10-22 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Rome, March 23, 2023
  30. ^ Visiting Italian Artist Says Saudi Interest in Art Is Tremendous Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, Arab News, December 24, 2003
  31. ^ Terracotta Art Festival Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, Negros Oriental, (Manila-Philippines) July 7, 2007
  32. ^ GK children witness Terra Cotta Festival in Dumaguete Archived 2014-11-12 at archive.today, Global Nation Inquire, (Manila-Philippines) July 12, 2007
  33. ^ "Beijing renwen university". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03.
  34. ^ Feature: Italian sculptor once follows legend to China, expects to ride China-Europe high-speed train now XINHUANET (Beijing) June 19, 2017
  35. ^ scultore Dionisio Cimarelli a Palermo Al Museo Riso “Viaggio nel Contemporaneo”
  36. ^ Master Lecture of Dionisio Cimarelli "A life in Art" Archived 2023-10-22 at the Wayback Machine, Italian Cultural Institute of Seoul, South Korea; June 9, 2023
  37. ^ Fifteen Annual Savoy History Lecture and reception Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine New York City, 11/7/2017
  38. ^ "Savoy History Lecture Series". Archived from the original on 2019-08-20. Retrieved 2019-08-20.
  39. ^ Interview with Dionisio Cimarelli:"The sculpture has to be a sample of life.” Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine 2 January 2020
  40. ^ A Conversation with Sculptor Dionisio Cimarelli: An Italian and his Chinese love affair through art Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine Montclair University, February 26, 2018 New Jersey (USA)
  41. ^ The Restoration of Classical European Sculpture Archived 2016-08-21 at the Wayback Machine The Art Students League of New York (New York) October 4, 2016
  42. ^ DIONISIO and his Restoration of World Heritage Monuments Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine LOUVRE MUSEUM in Paris; the ROYAL CHURCH CHRISTIANSBORG in Copenhagen, Denmark; the Great CATHEDRAL OF STRASBOURG....
  43. ^ Dionisio's Sculptural Exploration VIDEO Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco (California) USA December 9, 2014
  44. ^ Dionisio's Sculpture Exploration Archived 2019-02-01 at the Wayback Machine San Francisco (California) 12/9/2014
  45. ^ Tonight: Italian Master Sculptor and Longtime Chinese Resident at the ICC Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Italian Cultural Institute in San Francisco (CA) December 9, 2014
  46. ^ Lo scultore Dionisio Cimarelli: la versione in arte contemporanea di Marco Polo Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine L'Italo-Americano California December 21, 2014
  47. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli Archived 2017-12-01 at the Wayback Machine, China Sculpture Magazine
  48. ^ Gaikuang Archived 2019-08-10 at the Wayback Machine
  49. ^ Shanghai Library Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine Shanghai Library, Xuhui TV, Shanghai (China) 2005
  50. ^ Conversazione con lo scultore Dionisio Cimarelli Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine 6 Giugno, 2019
  51. ^ INCONTRO CON LO SCULTORE DIONISIO CIMARELLI Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine 12 Giugno, 2019
  52. ^ [1]Treccani Encyclopedia, 2024
  53. ^ "Instructors Emeriti" New York, 2023
  54. ^ Lo scultore e maestro a NY Dionisio Cimarelli premiato Marchigiano dell’Anno Archived 2019-10-01 at the Wayback Machine Lavoce di New York, (New York) 31 Maggio 2019
  55. ^ XXXIV EDIZIONE DEL PREMIO “MARCHIGIANO DELL’ANNO 2018” Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Regione Marche, 15 Maggio, 2019
  56. ^ Lo scultore e professore Dionisio Cimarelli e` stato insignito del premio "Marchigiano dell'anno nel mondo" Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine LNInternational (Rome) 29 Maggio 2019
  57. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli premiato come “Marchigiano dell’anno nel mondo” Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine The World News (Italia) 1 Giugno, 2019
  58. ^ ""Marchigiano dell'anno nel mondo" a Dionisio Cimarelli". 6 May 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  59. ^ MAESTRO DIONISIO CIMARELLI “MARCHIGIANO DELL’ANNO NEL MONDO Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine AISE (Agenzia Internazionale di Stampa Estera) 31 Maggio 2019
  60. ^ L'artista Dionisio Cimarelli "Marchigiano dell'anno nel mondo” premiato in Senato Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Vivere Marche. 2 Giugno, 2019
  61. ^ Rai Italia. Dionisio Cimarelli / New York... Archived 2019-08-21 at the Wayback Machine Rai Italia (Roma) 27 Aprile, 2016
  62. ^ Maiolati Spontini:Il Sindaco Carbini ringrazia l’artista Dionisio Cimarelli Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Vivere Jesi. 30/11/2015
  63. ^ "Welcome to the National Sculpture Society". Archived from the original on 2013-04-05.
  64. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli. Sculture e disegni Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Catalogue, Italian Consulate of Shanghai (China) October 2005
  65. ^ DIONISIO CIMARELLI. Sculptures in Chinese porcelain. Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Catalogue, Embassy of Italy - Cultural Office (Beijing) China. May 2008
  66. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli: porcellana per costruire un ponte fra Italia e Cina Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China Radio International (Beijing) June 11, 2008
  67. ^ Porcellana cinese e Rinascimento italiano: l'esperienza del maestro Dionisio Cimarelli in Cina Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China Radio International (Beijing) February 19, 2014
  68. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli racconta la sua avventura artistica. Pag.54 Archived 2020-07-29 at the Wayback Machine CINITALIA/China Radio International (Beijing) 2/11/2014
  69. ^ 用中文 Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine 中国北京2008
  70. ^ 狄奥尼西奥·契玛莱利“中国瓷雕展览”14日开幕 Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine China.com.cn May 13, 2008
  71. ^ "Shanghai Italian Center Virtual Tour - A www.virtualiter.net Production - v2.0". www.virtualiter.net. Archived from the original on 2023-05-15. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  72. ^ http://arabic.china.org.cn/english/culture/142905.htm Archived 2019-08-29 at the Wayback Machine , China Daily (Beijing) September 21, 2005
  73. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli. Expo Constructions in the Eyes of a Sculptor Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine, CNKI Journal, March 2010
  74. ^ Italian and Chinese artist, Italy Pavilion at Shanghai World EXPO 2010 Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine, City Week-end, October 20, 2010
  75. ^ INCONTRO CON LO SCULTORE DIONISIO CIMARELLI Macerata, 8/6/2019
  76. ^ Sculptures of maestro Dionisio Cimarelli Archived 2019-08-20 at the Wayback Machine Italian Cultural Institute (New York) 12/16/2015
  77. ^ Dionisio Cimarelli Sculptor Archived 2023-10-21 at the Wayback Machine Documentary by Oriental TV (Shanghai) China November 2005
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Living people

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