portrait 100 (2024) Collages by Massimo Quadrelli

Massimo Quadrelli is a contemporary Italian artist recognized for his exploration of abstract and informal expressionism, with works featured in private collections both in Italy and internationally. His unique approach combines the spontaneity of gesture with deep conceptual reflection, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between thought and artistic form. Fascinated by the European movements of informal art and abstract expressionism, Quadrelli has developed a distinctive style that employs varied media—acrylics, charcoal, spray paint, pastels, and even stitching on paper or canvas—to craft compositions that evoke raw sensation over structured meaning.

Quadrelli’s work does not follow traditional methods of image creation; instead, he treats the canvas as an expressive surface for projecting forms, marks, and textures directly from his intuitive responses. His technique mirrors practices in engraving and photography but forgoes any mechanical or digital processes, relying solely on the hand’s direct impact on the canvas. For Quadrelli, the hand holds equal significance to the mind in the act of creation, serving as an independent protagonist in his artistic journey.

The resulting paintings pulse with life, where stains and forms shift freely across the surface, inviting further interventions and modifications from the artist. His creative process, rooted in deep contemplation, especially thrives in monochrome, allowing subtle shifts and intricate variations to speak volumes. Through his art, Quadrelli delves into the enigma of existence, crafting a sophisticated visual language that resonates with sensitivity, dedication, and a quest for understanding the inexplicable elements of our world.

• Nationality: ITALY
• Date of birth : 1978
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Italian Artists