LONDON.- Ronchini Gallery, London announces the first solo show in the UK of work by Sergio Fermariello, curated by ARTNESIA, from 20 April to 9 June 2012. The exhibition will feature new works alongside existing key works.

Fermariello takes archetypal symbols and shapes from the past with a particular emphasis on mythology and antiquity. Icons of archers and soldiers are borrowed from the Etruscans and the Garamantes. His work began with the symbol of a warrior and ever since these armed figures have been synthesised and repeated throughout his canvases with an obsessive rhythm for over 20 years. The warrior is an image that holds particular significance to the artist as a sign of strength. Fermariello explains; ‘Mankind can not do without weapons, which is why my warriors are always armed. The spear corresponds to the letter ‘I’ and the shield resembles the letter ‘O.’ Together they form the particle ‘IO,’ which also means ‘I’ in Italian.’

Fermariello experiments with depth in his works by using overlapping shapes and materials as well as repetitive figures and patterns. His painting explores monochromy as well as the relationship between figure and abstraction. In many of his pieces the threatening icon of the warrior is turned into a delicate design which can almost be described as decorative. This apparent quest for a simplified generalised sign, in reality, is marked by a rare calligraphic skill and extreme attention to detail; each tiny brush stroke bears an implication.

Fermariello believes that the duty of art is to improve the quality of life, and although his work has strong historical and thematic undertones, he promotes the aesthetic above all else.

Sergio Fermariello has exhibited internationally at numerous galleries and museums. He won the first Saatchi & Saatchi International Prize for Young Artists in 1989, and at the age of 32 was invited by Achille Bonito Oliva to participate in the 45th Venice Biennale (1993). Within the Italian Pavilion an entire room was devoted to his work entitled Italian Work – Triptychs.

Sergio Fermariello (b. 1961, Naples) lives and works in Italy. Early exhibitions include: Galleria Lucio Amelio, Naples (1989); Galleria Il Capricorno, Venice (1990); Galerie Yvon Lambert, Paris (1992); Metropolis at the International Kunstausstellung, Berlin (1991); Musée de l’Abbaye Sainte-Croix, Les Sables-d’Olonne (1991); Galleria In Arco, Turin (1995). Recent exhibitions include Castel Sant’Elmo, Naples (2004); Certosa di San Michele, Capri (2004); Italian Institute of Culture, New York (2005); Pier 17 waterfront, New York (2005); Flora Bigai, Pietrasanta (2008) Ronchini, Umbria (2008); Niccoli, Parma (2008); Migranti at the MAC Museum in Niteroi, Brazil (2009); Museum PAN, Naples (2009). Fermariello’s works are also installed in the new premises of Bocconi University in Milan and Airport Capodichino in Naples.