In his early life Marcello Mondazzi grew up near archeological digs and in the old town of Pratola in Abruzzi. This town was in a state of decay as many towns in the countryside of Italy. He became very aware of the textures created on the materials by the passing of time and the forces of nature. This influence forever affects Mondazzi’s work.

As a young art student in Florence, he became aware of the art and philosophy of William Blake the English poet, engraver, and painter. Mondazzi’s early figurative work shows Blake’s influence.

Later he studied with the Spanish artist Antonio Tapies, who believed in the validity of all materials. See Mondazzi’s old rug painting (at left) to see the influence of Tapies. Mondazzi always loved textures therefore this encounter with Tapies made them kindred spirits.

The designs in the piazza of the Campadoglio designed by Michelangelo are interpreted in the large wheel with the star like form in the interior of the Large Wheel.

Plastic offers him a vocabulary of light passing through forms which becomes almost a spiritual interpretation of the passing of time. One gets the feeling in the work that it is like ice melting and it will all disappear eventually.

A large painting called Puca (at left) is a significant piece of work. Figures move toward an interior geometric form which loses color. His color now comes from other forces in nature such as decay, fire, chemicals, scraping and rubbing, and the effects of these forces on found materials. His forms now become geometric and then sculptural.