Artist
Born in Boston, United States of America
Early Life and Education
Born: Corrado Marcarelli, June 5, 1913, in Boston, Massachusetts
His parents were Italian immigrants from Benevento.
Moved to New York City with his family at age 13.
Studied briefly at the Cooper Union in 1930.
Supported himself through teaching and illustrations early in his career.
Career Development and Artistic Style
Works Progress Administration (WPA): From 1935 to 1938, he worked for the WPA as a teacher and muralist, winning the Logan Medal of the Arts. This period exposed him to key figures like Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline.
World War II Service: Served in the US Army (1941–1945).
Early Influences: Initially influenced by Giorgio de Chirico, his early works featured surrealist-inspired imagery.
Breakthrough with Collage: A pivotal shift occurred around 1952 during a trip to Mexico, leading him to embrace collage as a primary medium.
Abstract Expressionism and Beyond: While associated with the New York School Abstract Expressionists, Marca-Relli maintained a distinct style characterized by his focus on the human figure as a basis for abstraction and his connection to European artistic traditions.
Materials & Techniques: He experimented with various materials including oil paint, canvas, synthetic plastics, and metals. His collages often incorporated nails and other industrial elements.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Founding Member of the Artists' Club: Active in the avant-garde art scene in Greenwich Village, he helped found the Artists’ Club.
Ninth Street Show (1951): Participated in this significant exhibition that marked a turning point for many Abstract Expressionist artists.
Logan Medal of the Arts (1954): Awarded for his painting "Seated Figure."
Retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art (1967): A major recognition of his career achievements.
Honorary Italian Citizenship: Granted shortly before his death, reflecting his strong ties to Italy.
Influences and Historical Significance
European Masters: Drew inspiration from Renaissance artists (Paolo Uccello), Cubism, and metaphysical painters like Giorgio de Chirico and Alberto Burri.
Bridging Surrealism and Abstraction: Marca-Relli’s work helped bridge the gap between earlier surrealist tendencies and the emerging abstract expressionist movement.
Pioneering Collage as a Major Art Form: He elevated collage to a monumental scale, influencing later artists like those associated with Neo-Dada.
Unique Position within Abstract Expressionism: His continued focus on figuration and his strong European influences set him apart from many of his American contemporaries.
Later Life and Legacy
Lived and worked in Parma, Italy with his wife Anita Gibson.
Died August 29, 2000, in Parma, Italy at the age of 87.
Archivio Marca-Relli: Established to collect information and archive his work for future study.
His art is represented in major museum collections worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Guggenheim Museums, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
