Alfonso Ossorio was a pioneering American artist born in the Philippines in 1916. He is considered one of the most influential Abstract Expressionists of the 20th century, known for his imaginative and innovative assemblage works that transformed everyday materials into powerful, often spiritual expressions of his own creative spirit. Ossorio's works, which often took the shape of sculptures, explored themes of identity, nature, and materiality and challenged viewers to consider the complexity between our human experience and the world around us. Beyond his contributions to the art world, Ossorio was also a passionate collector of art and artifacts, and his own collections have been exhibited in several museums and galleries. He was particularly interested in the art of the Philippines, and his collection of Philippine folk art is considered one of the most significant in the world. Ossorio was also a designer, and his art has the potential to inspire creativity and open up conversations around how art can be used to express unique perspectives. Despite his significant contributions to the art world, Ossorio's life was not without its challenges. He struggled with mental illness throughout his life, and his experiences with institutionalization and electroshock therapy deeply influenced his work. Ossorio passed away in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and a deep commitment to exploring the complexity of the human experience through art.
American artist, Abstract Expressionist, assemblage works, sculptures, identity, nature, materiality, Philippine folk art, mental illness, electroshock therapy
Alfonso Ossorio is considered one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century. He was born in the Philippines in 1916 and moved to the US in 1940 where he was immersed in the Abstract Expressionist artistic scene of the 1940s and 50s. In his early works, Ossorio studied the effects of color, texture and light within the canvas, while later works incorporated textures, light and sculptural elements, such as glass and mirror fragments. His most well-known works include the “Hotel Joyce” mural, a black and white abstract painting featuring a menagerie of figures, and “The Crypt”, a sculpture comprised of mixed media and found objects. Ossorio was a major influence on the American art scene and he showed his works in various galleries and museums throughout the US. He is credited as one of the most influential Abstract Expressionists of the 20th century.
Alfonso Ossorio, Abstract Expressionism, American Artist, Philippines, The Crypt.
— Mei Wang
Alfonso Ossorio is a unique and influential figure in the world of art and design. His assemblage works, which feature everyday materials transformed into powerful statements, have been widely acclaimed for their creativity and innovation. His works often explore the themes of identity, nature, and materiality, and challenge viewers to consider the complexity between our human experience and the world around us. He was also a passionate collector of art and artifacts, and his own collections have been exhibited in several museums and galleries. His work has had a lasting influence on the art world, inspiring generations of designers and artists to explore their own creative potential.
Alfonso Ossorio, assemblage, art, creativity, design.
CITATION : "Federica Costa. 'Alfonso Ossorio.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=79928 (Accessed on September 07, 2024)"
Alfonso Ossorio is a pioneering and influential artist who has left an indelible mark on the world of art. His assemblage works, which feature everyday materials transformed into powerful statements, have been widely acclaimed for their elegance and richness of color. His works, which often take the shape of sculptures, explore themes of identity, nature, and materiality and challenge viewers to consider the complexity between our human experience and the world around us. Many of his works, including Crucifix with Skull and Winged Figure (1963), Immaculate Conception (1954–1956) and The Four Saints (1955), have become iconic for their innovative and thought-provoking nature. As a designer, Ossorio's art has the potential to inspire creativity and open up conversations around how art can be used to express unique perspectives.
Alfonso Ossorio, art, assemblage, sculpture, creativity, innovation
Alfonso Ossorio is an American artist known for his imaginative and innovative assemblage works, which transform everyday materials into powerful, often spiritual expressions of his own creative spirit. His works, which often take the shape of sculptures, have been acclaimed for their elegance, their lavish colors, and the way they invite viewers to consider the known and unknown in our everyday lives. Engaging the history of popular culture, his works often challenge viewers to consider the complex relationships shared between our human experience, nature and the material world. Notable works by Alfonso Ossorio are Crucifix with Skull and Winged Figure (1963), Immaculate Conception (1954–1956) and The Four Saints (1955).
Alfonso Ossorio, assemblage art, American artist, sculptures, creative spirit, material world.
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