Ugo Rondinone

Ugo Rondinone is a distinguished contemporary artist who has made a significant impact on the global art scene. He pursued his artistic education at the Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna, an experience that laid the foundation for his diverse and innovative practice. Currently, Rondinone lives and works in New York.

 

Rondinone is celebrated as one of the leading voices of his generation, revered for his profound reflections on humanity and the natural world. His work is characterised by the organic dialogue it exudes, seamlessly blending various sculptural and painterly traditions into a singular entity. This unique oeuvre diversifies his medium while amplifying his artistic expression, creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, paintings, installations, videos, and performances.

 

Distinguished by these hybridised forms, Rondinone draws inspiration from both ancient and modern cultural sources, emitting both pathos and humour while unveiling key issues pertaining to our contemporary life. Utilising mundane objects and environments, Rondinone transforms his chosen subjects into contemplative and empirical experiences, inviting viewers to engage with their surroundings in new and meaningful ways. This transformative quality reflects his belief in the power of creating art to alter perception and inspire reflection, stating that every encounter allows for a "possibility to meditate about life".

 

Throughout his career, Rondinone has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Swiss Eidgenössischer Preis für freie Kunst, which he won in 1991, 1994, and 1995. His recognition on an international scale was further solidified when he represented Switzerland at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007, a testament to his standing in the contemporary art world.