Alberto Giacometti

Alberto Giacometti was born on October 10, 1901, in Borgonovo, Switzerland. He was the eldest son of a post-impressionist painter, Giovanni Giacometti, and his artistic inclinations were encouraged from an early age. Surrounded by art and culture, Giacometti would go on to become one of the most significant sculptors of the 20th century. His work, characterized by its narrow, elongated figures, is infused with existential themes.

In 1922, Giacometti moved to Paris, where he took up studies under the guidance of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. During this formative period in Paris, Giacometti was exposed to various avant-garde movements, including Cubism and Surrealism, which greatly influenced his artistic development. This move marked the beginning of his deep engagement with the Parisian art scene and his lifelong exploration of sculptural expression.

In 1935, Giacometti distanced himself from the Surrealist movement, with which he had been associated since 1930. He began focusing more on the human figure, moving away from the abstract and dream-like representations typical of Surrealism. This shift stemmed from his intense interest in seeking the essence of human existence through sculpture, a pursuit that would define his later work and lead to his iconic slender figures.

Alberto Giacometti held his first solo exhibition in New York City at the Pierre Matisse Gallery in 1948. This exhibition was pivotal in establishing his reputation in the United States and internationally. It featured many of his now-iconic sculptures and emphasized his characteristic style of elongated human figures, which conveyed profound existential themes and captured the public's imagination, securing his place as a leading modernist sculptor.

In 1958, Alberto Giacometti was commissioned by architect Gordon Bunshaft to create a sculpture for the Chase Manhattan Plaza in New York City. Despite working on the project for several years, Giacometti found himself dissatisfied with his progress and ultimately abandoned the commission. The experience highlighted Giacometti's relentless artistic pursuit and his struggle with meeting external expectations while maintaining artistic integrity.

In June 1962, Giacometti was awarded the prestigious Grand Prize for Sculpture at the Venice Biennale. This accolade recognized his contributions to modern art and sculpture, marking a highlight in his career. The award brought him increased recognition and solidified his status as an influential figure in contemporary art, celebrated for his unique portrayal of the human condition through his signature spindly sculptures.

Alberto Giacometti died on January 11, 1966, in Chur, Switzerland, at the age of 64. His death marked the end of a prolific career that profoundly influenced the field of modern art. Giacometti left behind a legacy of works that continue to evoke intense emotion and contemplation on the human condition. Through his distinctive sculptures and paintings, he expressed the struggle and isolation inherent in human existence, ensuring his enduring influence.

On February 3, 2010, Alberto Giacometti's "Walking Man I" was sold at auction for $104.3 million, becoming one of the most expensive sculptures ever sold. This bronze sculpture, depicting a slender figure in mid-stride, is emblematic of Giacometti's artistic exploration of human presence and isolation. The record-breaking sale underscored the enduring appeal and value of Giacometti's work in the art market.

In May 2014, Alberto Giacometti's sculpture "Chariot" was sold at a Sotheby's auction for over $100 million, setting a new world record at the time for one of his works. This sale underscored Giacometti's lasting impact and the high esteem in which his art is held. "Chariot," an iconic piece featuring a spindly figure atop a chariot, exemplifies the artist's exploration of human frailty and existential themes, making it highly valuable and revered.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York hosted a major retrospective exhibition on Alberto Giacometti from February 21 to September 12, 2018. This comprehensive exhibition featured over 175 sculptures, paintings, and drawings, offering a deep insight into Giacometti's creative process and evolution. It highlighted his unique approach to form and space, reaffirming his status as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.