Mauro Bergonzoli
International contemporary Artist
born December 24th 1965 Milan, Italy
The Italian Artist Mauro Bergonzoli was born in Milan on December 24th, 1965. In his fathers engraving studio he learned the craft of precision and draftsmanship as a young boy. At the age of 14, his teacher discovered his extraordinary artistic talent. Soon he was sent to art school and began selling his comics and artwork. Bergonzoli was quickly recruited by advertising agencies in Milan. A 25-year long career as creative director in commercial and animation films for companies like Ferrero and Geox followed. Bergonzoli finally broke free in 2000 to dedicate himself exclusively to the creation of his original artwork. Successful exhibitions followed in galleries, fairs and museums in cities such as Portofino, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Hong Kong, Milan, St. Moritz, Miami, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin, Bologna, Ravenna, Augsburg and Venezia.
Bergonzoli paintings tell stories of love and celebrate the beauty of life. His style is both playful and sophisticated, contemporary and “oldschool”. The artist creates works bursting with good vibrations and hand-paints every canvas solely by himself, with no Atelier assistants. He lives and works in his „Bavarian Giverny“- the Country Atelier outside Munich where he receives art collectors from around the globe.
Bergonzoli is best known for his modern „Canaletto-esque“ interpretations of Venice. With his signature NEO-POP style, he shows the ancient merchant city in all her glory and splendour, omitting the current contamination and pollution through mass tourism. He also loves to paint water lilies, fashionable women, beautiful architecture, majestic horses and desirable cars. „I have many visions to paint so I use acrylic instead of oil paints. It’s faster and environment friendly“.
@MichaelTinnefeld
With his signature eye symbol, Bergonzoli invites his viewer to keep an open mind, observe the world like a child and focus on what is really there. „ I believe a personal point of view is essential to keeping creative thoughts and ideas alive.“ His „magic bunny“ character appears randomly in his paintings and signifies love, productivity, fun and pleasure.
In 2019 Yoko Ono chose Mauro Bergonzoli’s art concept „Acqua Alta“ - message in a bottle – to be included in her Museum Exhibition „Peace is Power“ in Leipzig, Germany. Bergonzoli created the glass sculpture in Murano, Italy with Archimede Seguso and hand painted it with liquid chrome.
Interview with the Artist (2020)
Mauro, this Christmas Eve you celebrate your 55th birthday. How do you feel?
„I feel good. I feel strong. I feel happy.“
When and why did you go become vegan?
„4 years ago after the problem with my heart. I received two emergency stents and the doctors told me to take 8 pills a day, forever. The reaction to the pills made me feel not like myself. Together with my muse we decided to change our diet. We started to eat plant-based and do regular blood tests and then compare to how things were before. Everything immediately worked better. I began letting go of pills. Then I also left gluten, alcohol and sugar behind. Everything works perfectly without medicine. It’s another life. I feel good!“
How has your plant-based lifestyle affected your art?
„Positively. I have more focus. I am more productive. I’m even more inspired by mother nature than I was before. More beautiful stuff is coming out.“
Why do you paint?
„Because I love to paint. I was born to do this. It’s how every day I express what I feel inside. Its’ my way of communicating. My head thinks in images. I speak through my paintings. Art is my language.“
When you aren’t painting, how do you spend your time?
„Actually, I think about what I want to paint. And then I do lots of gardening, I spend time with my family, I enjoy cooking, and I play and listen to music. But anyway, all the time one part of my brain is working on images. And when the image is in focus, I must put it on canvas. Basically if I’m not painting I think about what I want to paint.“
Can you describe your Country Atelier?
„It’s a paradise on earth. It’s my place. It’s 4 seasons, flowers, fruits, plants, animals, water and great space to work outside and inside. I’m surrounded by nature. It’s like living in a natural park. It’s an island. My island on firm ground which attracts my art collectors who come to spend time with me. They want to see where the artist works, where their paintings are born.“
What sets you apart from other artists?
„I love to have a relationship with my collectors. I like to convert their wishes into reality in form of commissions. I know how to paint. I love what is beautiful and positive. I’m independent.“
How do you think the world will change after 2020?
„We shall see.“
What inspires you?
„Women, nature, animals, design, beautiful architecture, the classics, old-timers history, the great masters... everything that is beautiful.“
Why have you chosen to live and work in Bavaria Germany and not your hometown Milan?
„Love has brought me here. My Muse is from Bavaria.“
Where do see yourself in ten years?
„Working in my Country Atelier.“
What is your biggest dream as an artist?
„To be independent. To create my work freely every day and have wonderful collectors all over the world who love to buy, admire and enjoy my art.
My dream has already come true.“
Maestro with Photographer Michael Tinnefeld
Exhibitions
2022 |
„Mauro Bergonzoli“ - Schaezlerpalais Kunstsammlungen & Museen – Augsburg, Germany |
2021 |
Kunst & Musik mit Starpianist Sebastian Knauer - Country Atelier, Kirchheim in Schwaben, Germany |
2020 |
„AMORE“ - Art & Coffee Exhibition DINZLER Coffee Roasting Company – Irschenberg, Germany |
2019 |
„Art Party“ - Art & Coffee Exhibition DINZLER Coffee Roasting Company – Irschenberg, Germany |
2019 |
58th Venice Biennale - Bergonzoli Painting Series “Venezia” in the Hotel Belmond Cipriani, Venice, Italy |
2018 |
Art & Coffee - Exhibtion DINZLER Coffee Roasting Company - Irschenberg, Germany |
2017 |
Exhibition - Mauro Bergonzoli, Awethentic Gallery, Hong Kong, China |
2016 |
„from Picasso and Miro‘ to Contemporary artists“ - Museum Site Oud Sin-Jan, di Bruges, Belgium |
2016 |
Bergonzoli in Bavaria - Bavarian National Museum - Munich, Germany |
2016 |
Musik and Art with Gerhard Polt, Country Atelier, Bavaria, Germany |
2016 |
Creative Art and Food, Terra Madre, Museo MIIT, Torino, Italy |
2016 |
Jakob in Venedig - Fürst Fuggerbank - Augsburg, Germany |
2015 |
Exhibition Country Life - Country Atelier, Kirchheim - Bavaria, Germany |
2015 |
Jaguar White Nights, Tegernsee, Germany |
2014 |
Bergonzoli in Bavaria – Exhibition Bavarian National Museum – Munich, Germany |
2014 |
Mozart - Exhibition Gut Bannacker – Augsburg, Germany |
2014 |
Mauro Bergonzoli – selected works – Hubert Burda Media – Communication Highway – Munich, Germany |
2014 |
Magic Bunnies – Exhibition at Egerner Höfe – Rottach Egern, Germany |
2013 |
Pferd International, Munich, Germany |
2012 |
“Göttinnen” – De Martino Gallery, Munich, Germany |
2012 |
“Magic Kisses” – for Wrigley’s Spearmint, Galerie Einstein – Berlin, Germany |
2011 |
Moving Images” Scheublein Fine Art Gallery, St. Moritz, Switzerland |
2011 |
“The Magic Trip“ Galerie Terminus, Munich, Germany |
2010 |
“Finissage“ Fürst Fugger Privatbank, Augsburg, Germany |
2009 |
“Living and Modern Art“ – Fürst Fugger Privatbank, Augsburg Germany |
2008 |
Villa Arconati, Milano, Italy |
2008 |
Galleria A.S. Contemporanea, Forli, Italy |
2008 |
Museo Mim, San Pietro in Cerro, Italy |
2008 |
Museo de Arte Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
2007 |
Galleria A. S., Milano – Venice Art Fair, Forli, Italy |
2007 |
Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy |
2007 |
Autoria Art Gallery, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
2006 |
Galleria Bocca, Milano, Galleria A.S. Contemporanea, Forli, Italy |
2006 |
Museo del Parco, Portofino, Italy |
2004 |
Galleria A.S., Milano – Galleria Studio, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
2003 |
Wilson Art Gallery, Montevideo, Uruguay |
2000 |
Galleria Studio, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Group Exhibitions
2019 |
“Angeli e Artisti” Exhibition – Siena, Italy |
2019 |
“Yoko Ono - Peace is Power” - Museum of Fine Arts, Leipzig, Germany |
2018 |
“Angeli e Artisti” Exhibition – Monza, Italy |
2017 |
Women in Focus - perspectives on empowerment & femininity - Awethentic Gallery - Hong Kong, China |
2013 |
“Lebensmotor. Was uns antreibt” – Mercedes Benz Headquarters, Munich, Germany |
2013 |
Domaine des Arts – St. Tropez, France |
2011 |
“Wunderkunst Vernissage” Wunderkunst, Art de Vivre, Munich, Germany |
2011 |
Polo + Art – Berenberg Polo Derby – Flo Peters Gallery – Hamburg, Germany |
2010 |
Omeoart, Boiron - Homeopathic Medicine, Lyon,France |
2008 |
Omeoart, Piacenza, Italy – Fondazione D ́ars Oscar Signorini, Castell ́Arquato, Italy |
2007 |
Omeoart, Milano, Italy – Il Colore Del Domani, Palazzo Ducale, Genova, Italy |
Artfairs | |
2019 |
58th Biennale di Venezia – Venice, Italy |
2017 |
Art Basel Hong Kong, live VR painting performance - Awethentic Gallery, Hong Kong |
2012 |
“Grafik 12” Art FAIR , Zurich, Switzerland |
2011 |
Art Miami, Art FAIR, Miami, USA |
2011 |
Art Fair 21, Köln, Germany |
2007 |
Biennale Venezia, live performance for 100 giorni Joseph Beuys – 2007 Venezia, Italy |
2007 |
Venice Art Fair, Forli, Italy |
Other Projects
2021 |
"Mrs. Glock" - Neo Pop Art Illustration for Kathrin Glock – Austria |
2021 |
Bergonzoli Art Wall painting for vegan Cheese company "Simply V" – Oberreute, Bavaria, Germany |
2021 |
"Künstler helfen Künstlern-Kunstnothilfe” – Art on Helene Galways, Munich, Germany |
2020 |
"Kunst nach Maß” – Bergonzoli on Fashion - Maßkunst, Munich, Germany |
2020 |
"What about Art” - Corona Film Project with 5 Artists – Florentin Film, Munich, Germany |
2019 |
Portrait of the Vegan Artist - Florentin Film – Country Atelier, Kirchheim, Germany |
2019 |
Bergonzoli Wall painting with Kids for Elementary- and High school Kirchheim, Germany |
2019 |
Masterclass for young artists “Art Spot” – Museum Villa Stuck, Munich, Germany |
2019 |
Museum Villa Stuck - live painting performance of “Hippocampus” |
201x |
Briefmarken Fugger Bank |
2014 |
Mauro Bergonzoli for converse – limited edition – www.notlikeyou.com |
2014 |
Handpainted 6Liter Wine Bottle for Tribute to Bambi charity auction – children in need |
2014 |
Mozart Festival – Augsburg – Exhibition, live painting and charity auction for gifted children in music |
2013 |
Rita Hayworth 30th Alzheimer‘s Association Gala – Waldorf Astoria New York City – Mauro Bergonzo- li painting donated for the silent charity auction |
2013 |
Charity project with Gut Aiderbichl and Mauro Bergonzoli |
2013 |
Hadassah Hospital charity donation of a painting as well as a painted Mercedes Benz Smart car |
2013 |
Lebenshilfe München e.V. received a donation for a Mauro Bergonzoli painting auctioned off for charity during the Pferd International 2013 in Munich, Germany |
2012 |
Ritzenhoff “my little Darling” Espresso Cup – designed by Mauro Bergonzoli – available online |
Advertising and Film (in Milan, Italy)
2003 |
Nutella Christmas, Executive, Ciao Web, Geox shoes, San Carlo Chips |
1998 |
Director of short films animation made for Ferrero “Esta Thé“ and Kinder Surprise, |
1997 |
Opens advertising agency “Los Angeles“ inventing special products for clients: Kinder Surprise, San Carlo Chips, Wackos, Ferrero Nutella seasonal campaigns, Varadero Rum, Carrera sun glasses |
1997 |
Joint venture with “No advertising“ agency producing campaigns for Diadora Sport Wear, Ferrero, Scarpe e Scarpe, Nardi cucine, Ciao Web social network for Fiat |
1995 |
Joint venture with Landó Nardi agency advertising products for Ferrero, Invicta Sport Wear, De Fonseca, Ras Bank |
1993 |
First advertising agency “Reclam“ working for Casio, Lorenz, and BAI BANK |
1991 |
Creative director for Transatlantic Milano advertising agency |
1985 |
Free lance art director and illustrator for Unilever, Minolta, Ferrero, Mercedes, Bayer, Lipton Ice Tea, |
1984 |
First publications of cartoons and storylines for Corrier Boy Cartoon Magazine |
Interview with the Artist (2019)
When did you first know you are an artist?
My father was an engraver. One day when I was 2 years old, he drew a Donald Duck figure on my bedroom wall. All I remember since that moment is that I began drawing everywhere I went, in school, at home, in my head. I haven’t stopped since.
How do you feel when you paint?
I feel like I’m doing what comes naturally to me. It’s something I need to do. It’s a necessity for me, like breathing.
What is your creative process?
First I see an image in my head. Then I transfer or download this image onto my canvas with paint.
When do you know a painting is finished?
When the painting matches the image I had in my head before I began, when there is nothing else to add, then I know it’s perfect. Sometimes I need to let a canvas rest for weeks or months, sometimes years before finishing it.
What is the most challenging aspect of your profession?
Corruption in the art market.
And the most pleasurable?
Having art collectors who adore and enjoy what I produce. I love how they recognize that art is an investment in beauty and pleasure and not simply a money game.
Do you have a favourite painting subject?
I love beautiful women, old-timers, nature...whatever I find beautiful, I like to paint.
Which artists, living or dead, have influenced your style?
Masters of their craft like Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Canaletto. I admire those great artists who really knew how to paint in any style, realistic or abstract.
When you’re not painting, what do you enjoy most?
When I’m not painting I sometimes think about what I will paint next. Sometimes I just work in my garden or play the guitar and in my head I pick my next painting subject. Actually, I’m always painting.
How would you describe your art collectors?
They are intelligent people who are able to recognize what they like. They know exactly what they want and how they want it. My art collectors have special taste and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Why did you choose to live and work in Bavaria, not Milan?
True Love brought me to Bavaria. My Muse is Bavarian.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
I see myself still painting and doing what I am doing today. I also see my work represented in many more private and public art collections around the globe.