Henry Moore
Eugenio Riotto is an Italian artist known for his ability to sculpt emotions, especially love, through his sculptures. Born in Petralia Soprana, Sicily, on June 12, 1951, Riotto discovered his artistic vocation during his childhood, after moving with his family first to Rome and then to Hyères, on the French Riviera. Later, in 1966, he settled in Viareggio, where he began his artistic training under the guidance of Carlo Oreste Strocco, learning art history, charcoal life drawing, pastel drawing, and oil painting.
His artistic career has followed various paths, including an initial phase in which Riotto worked in non-artistic occupations to support his family. However, his passion for art has always remained a constant in his life, eventually leading him to devote himself entirely to sculpture. His transition from painting to sculpture came about through the encouragement of a friend, Eros Canova, who suggested he work with papier-mâché for the Viareggio Carnival. This experience revealed his innate talent for sculpture and led Riotto to win an award for his work in the Carnival. Subsequently, he moved to Pietrasanta to dedicate himself entirely to sculpture, abandoning the role of assistant to other artists to create his original works.
Riotto is particularly known for his series of sculptures “Winged Lovers,” bronze works that express deep emotions and feelings. He has received widespread recognition for these sculptures, some of which have been purchased by private collectors. His art has reached an international audience, with exhibitions in several countries, including Portugal, New York, Krakow, Moscow, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, and Argentina.
The influence of his cultural background is evident in his works. Although he lived only the early years in Sicily, Riotto acknowledges the impact of his Sicilian origins on his sentimental approach to art. Among his favorite themes, besides love, is humanity, with a strong emphasis on brotherhood and the importance of being human. One of his most significant sculptures is “Behemoth,” created for an exhibition in Florence and inspired by Bulgakov’s work.
Riotto has expressed a particular bond with this sculpture, to the point of regretting selling it.
Overall, Riotto‘s works are appreciated for their ability to evoke deep emotions and for the way they reflect aspects of the natural and human landscape, drawing inspiration from figures like the English sculptor and painter Henry Moore.
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