Nicola De Maria (1954 Foglianese, Italy)
is a contemporary Italian artist celebrated for his vibrant, lyrical abstractions, distinguished by the use of bright primary colors and a playful, expressive approach to form.
De Maria’s early experiments in photography gradually gave way to a deep engagement with drawing and painting. In the 1970s, he emerged as a key figure of the Transavanguardia movement, alongside Sandro Chia, Enzo Cucchi, Francesco Clemente, and Mimmo Paladino. His work reflects the movement’s embrace of expressive freedom, revisiting historical and spiritual themes with a contemporary sensibility, while rejecting the strict formalism of conceptual and minimal art.
De Maria’s compositions are often monumental in scale, challenging the viewer’s perception of space and blurring the boundaries between painting and environment. His canvases act as immersive experiences where color, rhythm, and gesture create a sense of movement and lyrical narrative. Lyrical, mythical, and spiritual references recur in his work, yet they are never literal; rather, they are suggested through his dynamic use of color and abstract forms. His chromatic technique shows a clear awareness of the Italian Old Masters, merging historical references with a modern, intuitive energy.
Throughout his career, De Maria has exhibited extensively in Italy and internationally. He has participated in three Venice Biennales and Documenta 7 in Kassel, earning critical acclaim for his ability to merge abstraction with narrative and emotive resonance. His works are held in major collections, including the Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea, Turin, and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam.
Nicola De Maria lives and works in Sannio, Italy, continuing to explore the poetic and spatial possibilities of color and abstraction.
For information on available works by the artist, please contact the gallery.