SAL, curated by Luigi Sansone is the first retrospective in Rome dedicated to the multifaceted and groundbreaking oeuvre of Salvatore Scarpitta (New York, 1919 – 2007), illustrating the artistic journey of the Italian-American artist and celebrating his exceptional contribution to the artistic landscape of the latter half of the 20th century through some of his most significant works.
The exhibition focuses on two distinct periods, the Italian period, and the American period. The Italian period, rooted in Rome, showcases Scarpitta’s early Expressionist works, which gradually transition into abstract-figurative art, leading to the informal of material paintings. This phase culminates with the creation of extroflexed canvases and bandaged works displayed at Plinio De Martiis’ Galleria La Tartaruga during the landmark exhibition of April 1958.
The American period began with Scarpitta’s exhibition at Leo Castelli’s gallery in New York in January 1959 and extended until 2007, the year of the artist’s passing. This highly creative phase of Scarpitta’s career further explores the theme of bandages while branching into four principal directions: the geometric works featuring the distinctive ‘St. Andrew’s cross’ structure; the dynamic integration of materials sourced from the world of car racing into the bandaged pieces; the fabrication of racing cars themselves; the creation of sleds and towing structures inspired by elements of Native American culture.
In addition to abstract-figurative paintings, which marks the inception of the “bandaged” works, the exhibition will showcase several extroflexed canvases such as Senza titolo (Untitled), 1957, Dimensione (Dimension), 1958, along with other canvases adorned with bandages like Ammiraglio (Admiral), 1958, and Tensione (Tension), 1958. Many of these works will make a significant return to the Roman art scene following their display at the historic exhibition held at Galleria La Tartaruga in 1958, and later at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York in January 1959 – the two most important exhibitions in Scarpitta’s career.
One of the standout pieces from Scarpitta’s repertoire, Gunner’s Mate, 1961, will be featured in the exhibition. This composition consists of four “X”-shaped structures, each supporting three bandaged works. This installation has retained its original form over time, unlike the others created during the same period, which the artist dismantled. Today, the individual components exist independently, allowing for deliberate assembly in various interchangeable sequences.A central aspect of Scarpitta’s artistic vision is the world of racing cars, a theme featured in the exhibition with Sal’s Red Hauler Special, 1966-67, a car dedicated to Jean Christophe Castelli, son of Scarpitta’s gallerist and close friend, Leo Castelli. Additionally, Incident at Castelli, 1987, a substantial installation, captures the fusion of art, speed, and life. Directly stemming from his works featuring bandages are the sleds, as stated by Scarpitta himself, exemplified in the exhibition by the totemic Hill Canoe, 1990, and Mr. Hyde (Dr. Jekyll) and Mrs. Hyde (Mr. Hyde), both created in 1989.
The exhibition ends with the display of a collection of posters, catalogs, photographs, and documents, providing a comprehensive exploration of Scarpitta’s world from his origins in Rome to his success in the United States.