IGOR MITORAJ

Igor Mitoraj is born in Oederan, in Germany in 1944; both parents are Polish. After the war he moves to Cracovia with his mother where he begins his academic studies under the guidance of Tadeusz Kantor, painter, scenographer and playwright. In1967,his first painting exhibition in Cracovia at the Krzysztofory Gallery. In 1968 he moves to Paris where he enters the "Ecole Nationale Supèrieure des Beax - Arts". During his stay in Paris he is fascinated by American pre- Colombian culture and decides to stay for a year in Mexico, where he starts to sculpt for the first time. He continues his studies in the U.S.A, Greece and Italy studying modern and classical sculpture. In 1974 he returns to Paris and exhibits his works at the "La Hune" Gallery. He decides to dedicate himself exclusively to sculpture, using bronze and terracotta,after the enormous success of his exhibition.

Between 1976 and 1980 he participates in numerous exhibitions obtaining precious acknowledgement, including the prize for "Scultura di Montrouge". In 1979 he goes to Pietrasanta (Carrara) for the first time, where he begins to work in marble. In 1983 he opens his own studio, in this city which has seen many sculptors and architects, including Michelangelo, L'Ammannati and Vasari - all searching for the best marble coming from Mount Altissimo. In 2001, he is made an honoury citizen of Pietrasanta, and in this period he also receives recognition for his career with the "Premio Vittorio de Sica.