Lorenzo Mattotti is a contemporary artist whose work includes graphic art, comic book art and animation. His illustrations have been published in the world’s most prestigious magazines, and his graphic narratives, comic books and children’s books have been translated into dozens of languages. Among the best known titles: “Fires,” and “Murmur.” In addition, Mattotti has illustrated the covers of such magazines as The New Yorker, Le Monde, and Suddeutsche Zeitung and. In 1995 the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome and The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem dedicated anthologies to him.

This first solo show of Lorenzo Mattotti (Brescia, 1954) in Chicago represents a special opportunity to enjoy the full spectrum of his work. It features sixty-three drawings, magazine covers, comic book narratives, poster designs and illustrations, covering a large portion of his recent production. The show is divided into twelve series: comics with his drawings of “El Cosmografo Sebastian Caboto” and “Il Rumore della Brina;” the calendar for ENI Company; the posters for “Città di Torino,” “Annecy Cinema Italien,” “Nuithonie,” “Capricci,” the posters for Rio de Janerio's Carnival, and Mattotti’s splendid covers for The New Yorker magazine, Internazionale Magazine and Cosmopolitan.

Mattotti’s career has spanned thirty years. His credits are numerous, and give ample evidence of his willingness to take risks and grow. Among his many published books, for adults and also for a juvenile audience: “Fires,” “Murmur,” Collodi’s beloved “Pinocchio,” and Lou Reed’s “The Raven.” Mattotti has exhibited in the world’s most prestigious venues, including Rome’s Palazzo delle Esposizioni. In addition, he is a sought after animation artist, and his work in the movies “Eros” and “Peur de noir” demonstrate the power of his imagination and technical ability.

One of those rare artists who has made a name for himself in the commercial sector without losing any of his integrity, the artwork in this show highlights the coherence of Mattotti’s artwork. Whether creating personal and edgy animations or whimsical, intensely colorful fashion illustrations, the sweetness and melancholy of Mattotti’s sensibility, his unique voice, always comes through.