Beyond Street Art
​
Paintings by MARCELLO SALZANO
BIO
Born in Rome in Trastevere, Marcello is a self-taught artist. In Florence he found the ideal place to share his innate talent and passion for art.
A true icon of Florence, Marcello has been present in the Piazzale degli Uffizi for 45 years. Although he has participated in some exhibitions in Florence and in the United States, the most important and significant exhibition is the one that continues every day in the heart of the city. His works are part of private collections on every continent.
Appreciated for sensitive portraits and paintings, sometimes with surprising and unique elements typical of those who have never been contaminated by art schools or distracted by the many trends that come and go - Marcello is 100% artist. He has never done anything else. Several of his clients return year after year to document in paper and charcoal the growth of a child or the longevity of a marriage. Others are surprised to find he’s still there after so many years, both foreigners and Florentines, who have imprinted him in their memory as an integral part of Florence as it once was.
Marcello, his works and his presence are a concrete example of the eternal relevance of art and culture in everyday and collective life
Beyond Street Art
A stranger known the world over, Marcello debuts online. For 45 years he has sat among the sculptures of “Illustrious Tuscan Men” in the piazza doing portraits and paintings. The Uffizi which means “offices” really is his office. He and other old school street artists (who specify that they are painters, since the term “street artist” now includes a vast variety of artistic expressions) carry on a centuries old tradition which is an integral part of the fabric of Italian cities.
Though Florentines recognize him and greet him wherever he goes, he’s a mysterious figure, a quiet man of very few words. We are proud to represent him in his online debut with his studio paintings which are too large to sell among his smaller, much-loved piazza canvases.
His studio work reveals a curious mind, a sensitive inclination and a colorful world full of wonder. We hope the exhibit will help this accomplished, self-taught artist to thrive regardless of the number of tourists physically present (or absent) from Florence. It has taken a village to put this show together for him as Marcello is not computer literate yet.
Please visit his facebook page Marcello Street Artist - Uffizi Gallery, his website marcellouffizi.com
And of course you can always find him at work in the Piazzale degli Uffizi if you visit Florence!
​
Starting May 29th, 2021
.jpg)