Giancarlo Impiglia (b. Rome, Italy, 1940), moved to New York in the 70s, where he established himself with a signature style built on the shoulders of modernism. From his studio in Soho, he went on to participate in the famed Absolut Vodka campaign of the 80s, and through the 80s and 90s he exhibited in numerous galleries in New York and elsewhere, weaving himself into the fabric of the city, and epitomizing the golden age of the arts those years represent.
Impiglia’s work is immediately recognizable, beautiful and dynamic. It is far more than how it is so often described, however, i.e. in these terms: beautiful, dynamic, decorative, or simply aesthetically pleasing. Indeed, its deliberate beauty is a critique on materialism and the superficiality of society; each figure is depicted as an indifferent, faceless satire defined entirely by their facades. As they blend together into one another and the background, forming a single tapestry of color and shape, their true selves are entirely obscured; Impiglia reminds us of the fallacy of individualism and the power of trends and the market.
Impiglia has never been limited to his signature style, but has consistently found new ways to comment upon contemporary society and the ironies of the art world. This is epitomized by his works on vintage denim, camouflage, and aluminum. As he says:
“For my entire life I have been creating unique paintings, sculptures, and assemblages free from established trends and tastes. I believe the artist has an essential role to play on the socio-political stage, so within all my work is my passion and attempt to find beauty, but also my concerns about today in the greater context of history.”
All in all, Impiglia embodies the true artist who will stop at nothing to see his vision fulfilled.
Impiglia’s work has been exhibited in galleries and art fairs around the world. A major retrospective, hosted by The National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, New York, was dedicated to him in 2016. His work is part of prominent collections and museums including The Museum of the City of New York; The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK; and the Wifredo Lam Center, Havana, Cuba. Three publications are dedicated to his enduring career: Giancarlo Impiglia, Paintings for the Queens & Collected Works (Lily, 2012), The Art of Giancarlo Impiglia (Rizzoli, 1995), and Giancarlo Impiglia: Recent Works (Rizzoli, 1982).
He lives and works in Bridgehampton, New York.
