Artists

(Rome, Italy 1927-Perugia, Italy 2005)

Piero Dorazio (1927-2005) was an influential Italian painter born in Rome. Renowned as a leading figure in 20th-century abstract art, Dorazio is celebrated for his innovative exploration of color and form. “Dans les petites mythes” from 1962 is an exemplary work by Dorazio, showcasing his mastery of vibrant colors and complex geometric structures. This piece is part of his renowned series of grids, marking a significant phase in his artistic career. Dorazio’s grid technique involves an intricate visual architecture of lines and shapes, creating an optical effect of movement and depth. The precise use of grids and overlapping patterns generates a dynamic interaction between color and form, making the work appear to pulse and change depending on the viewer’s angle and the light. This technique reflects influences from Josef Albers’ color theories and the Bauhaus tradition, enriched by Dorazio’s personal sensitivity to light and hue. During the 1960s, while teaching at Penn State University, Dorazio developed and refined this technique, significantly contributing to the field of geometrism in contemporary art. His participation in the influential “The Responsive Eye” exhibition at MoMA in New York further cemented his international reputation. Dorazio’s works, including “Dans les petites mythes,” have been exhibited in prestigious museums such as: • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York • Tate Modern, London • Centre Pompidou, Paris • Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam • Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice • National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. • Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, Rome • Kunsthaus Zürich
 

Piero Dorazio
Dans les petites mythes
1962
oil on canvas
35 x 25 cm