Pistoletto

Pistoletto is a surname, most notably associated with Michelangelo Pistoletto, an Italian contemporary artist. Born in Biella, Italy, in 1933, he is a key figure in the Arte Povera movement. Pistoletto's work often explores the relationship between art and life, the viewer and the artwork, and the present moment.

His early work involved self-portraits and backgrounds before he gained international recognition for his "Mirror Paintings" in the 1960s. These paintings feature life-sized figures against a polished stainless steel surface, reflecting the viewer and their surroundings directly into the artwork. This integration of the real world into the art object became a defining characteristic of his practice.

Beyond painting, Pistoletto has engaged in a wide range of artistic activities, including sculpture, performance, and community-based projects. He founded Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto, an art center and social enterprise in Biella, dedicated to fostering a new relationship between art and daily life through various projects. His work continues to be exhibited and discussed globally, influencing generations of artists.