MaxKuatty
Biography
Max Kuatty (1930, Mantua, Italy–2011, Milan, Italy ) was an Italian artist known for his work in abstract art and his role in the development of Integral Naturalism. Born in Mantua, he showed an early talent for drawing and painting, which led him to enroll at the Accademia di Brera in Milan in 1951, despite initial opposition from his family. Early in his career, he supported himself by illustrating adventure stories, demonstrating his strong foundation in figurative art. In 1956, Kuatty moved to Paris, where he engaged with major figures of modern art, including Jackson Pollock, Alberto Burri, Antoni Tàpies, and Serge Poliakoff. This period marked his shift towards Informal Art, particularly in his exploration of transparency and depth in color. Throughout the 1970s, his work became increasingly influenced by natural forms, leading to the development of Abstract Naturalism, a style inspired by organic textures such as wood and bark. A significant aspect of Kuatty's career was his long-term collaboration with Pierre Restany, the founder of Nouveau Réalisme. Their creative partnership spanned over three decades and had a profound impact on both their artistic visions. In 1978, Restany authored the Manifeste du Rio Negro du Naturalisme Intégral, inspired by their experiences in the Amazon. This moment marked Kuatty’s transition from Abstract Naturalism to Integral Naturalism, a practice that involved using large wooden surfaces from Amazonian trees in his performances and artworks. These works were showcased in exhibitions in Ferrara, Milan, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, establishing him as a key figure in this artistic movement. During the 1990s, Kuatty introduced new materials into his work, experimenting with typographic plates and newspaper films. These works retained the original communicative essence of their materials, reflecting his evolving approach to abstraction. He also revisited historical iconography, integrating references from art history into his compositions. His Polaretabli series, a collection of fresco-style paintings featuring renowned figures from art history, received critical acclaim for its innovative execution and aesthetic impact. Kuatty's works have been exhibited in major institutions, including the Casa del Mantegna in Mantua, Palazzo Reale in Milan, Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, and the Venice Biennale. In 1999, he was commissioned to create portraits of Nobel Peace Prize laureates for the Codex Codicum, a special project commemorating the first World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Until his passing in Milan in 2011, Kuatty remained an active and prolific artist. His legacy continues through the Associazione Collezionisti delle Opere di Max Kuatty, founded in 2015 in Milan. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting his artistic contributions, cataloging his works, and ensuring his influence endures in contemporary art discussions.
