Viviana Riccelli

Viviana Riccelli, an artist born in Rome, embarked on her artistic journey by immersing herself in various cultural landscapes across Europe and beyond. She pursued her passion for art through rigorous study in Rome, Berlin, Venice, and Cairo, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of esteemed mentors.

Riccelli’s artistic trajectory was profoundly influenced by her association and apprenticeship with the renowned New York Abstract Expressionist artist, Nicolas Carone, from 1980 to 2009. Carone, a pivotal figure in the American Abstract Expressionist movement and a founding member of the New York School, played a central role in shaping Riccelli’s artistic vision.

Additionally, Riccelli served as an assistant to the distinguished American monumental sculptress, Beverly Pepper, further broadening her artistic horizons and contributing to major exhibitions in Italy. Pepper’s monumental sculptures left an indelible mark on Riccelli’s artistic sensibilities.

Riccelli’s artistic exploration extended beyond traditional boundaries as she delved into diverse cultures and artistic avant-gardes across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Her experiences in countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Thailand enriched her artistic perspective, infusing her work with a unique blend of cultural, intellectual, and emotional depth.

Since 2011, Riccelli has called Siquijor, Philippines, her home, where she continues to pursue her artistic endeavors. Her repertoire encompasses a wide array of techniques, including terracotta, frescos, murals, and mixed media. Riccelli’s current focus lies in automatic painting and abstract landscapes, reflecting her evolving artistic ethos.

While Riccelli’s oeuvre predominantly explores abstract themes, she remains dedicated to the study of the human figure, investing time and care in painting portraits and human forms. Drawing, she believes, is the cornerstone of artistic expression, underscoring its fundamental importance in her creative process.