Sandro Chia

Sandro Chia, born on April 20, 1946, in Florence, Italy, is a distinguished painter and sculptor known for his pivotal role in the Italian Neo-Expressionist movement, also known as Transavanguardia, alongside contemporaries like Francesco Clemente, Enzo Cucchi, Nicola De Maria, and Mimmo Paladino.
Chia's artistic journey began with his studies at the Istituto d'Arte di Firenze from 1962 to 1967, followed by the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze until 1969. His travels through Europe, Turkey, and India greatly influenced his work. Settling in Rome in 1970, he began exhibiting his art the following year. A significant chapter of his career unfolded during the winter of 1980-1981 when he received a study grant in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Later that year, he relocated to New York, where he lived for over two decades and taught at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan from 1984 to 1985.
Chia's early work leaned towards Conceptualism, but he transitioned to a more figurative style in the mid-1970s. His recognition grew in June 1979 when Paul Maenz showcased his work, along with that of his peers, at a gallery in Cologne. This exhibition led critic Achille Bonito Oliva to identify the group as a new art movement.
Chia’s artwork has been featured in numerous prestigious solo and group exhibitions at renowned institutions, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Nationalgalerie in Berlin, and the Villa Medici in Rome. He also participated in the Venice Biennale in 1984 and 1988. His impactful contributions to contemporary art continue to resonate, reflecting his evolution as an artist and his exploration of themes and techniques throughout his career.