The artist and his sea

MAURIZIO RUSSO Sculptor
Maurizio Russo is a contemporary Italian sculptor whose work is distinguished by a deep connection to nature and a unique sensitivity in the use of materials. Born and raised in an environment rich in artistic inspiration, Russo developed a passion for art that translates into evocative and meaningful works. Using salvaged driftwood, the artist captures the essence of the sea and the land, creating sculptures that tell stories of erosion and transformation over time. Each piece of wood, with its traces of waves and tides, becomes a narrative element, making each work a unique visual and sensorial experience. His art is not merely an aesthetic representation, but an invitation to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the environment, the beauty of nature, and the fragility of our ecosystem. Maurizio Russo's biography is a journey through his artistic evolution, his influences, and his achievements, which testify to his commitment and dedication to the world of contemporary art. His artistic career began in 2000 and developed through a series of exhibitions at various venues, where he began to gain recognition for his talent and creativity. Between 2010 and 2020, his commitment and passion for art led him to explore new techniques and materials, honing his unique style.
In 2020, his talent was recognized nationally with a permanent exhibition at the "Atelier sul Mare" museum-hotel, owned by Antonio Presti, creator of Fiumara d'Arte, Europe's largest open-air museum, located in Castel di Tusa (Messina). This prestigious exhibition space not only hosts works by international artists but also becomes a hub for contemporary art in Sicily. His works attract the attention of critics and enthusiasts, leading to rave reviews in publications such as La Sicilia, Quotidiano di Gela, and Today24, which praise his ability to blend tradition and innovation.
2021 proved to be a pivotal year for his career. In addition to continuing his exhibition at the Atelier sul Mare, he received an artistic award from the "Cenacolo degli Artisti" in Casalpusterlengo (Lodi), Milan, a leading association that promotes emerging talent. He also participated in the 8th Art Symposium and Workshop "Cefalù City of Artists," where he exhibited his works in the Santa Caterina octagon in Piazza Duomo in Cefalù (PA). Here, his work was once again recognized, gaining visibility in several local and national publications, such as QG Time and Il Cittadino.
In 2022, his artistic journey was further enriched by his participation in the 1st City of Berlin Prize at the Von Zeidler Art Gallery in Berlin (Germany). This international experience allowed him to interact with artists from diverse cultures and styles, broadening his artistic vision. He also participated in charity events, such as donating a work for World Autism Awareness Day for Ukrainian children in Palermo (PA), demonstrating his social commitment and desire to use art as a tool to raise awareness. During the same year, he organized and participated in group exhibitions at the Ottagono di Santa Caterina in Piazza Duomo in Cefalu (PA), participated in another event at the Spazio Macos art studio in Messina, and one at the Effetto Arte Gallery in Palermo. Following numerous events and exhibitions, his works continue to receive recognition and positive reviews, consolidating his presence in the Sicilian art scene.
2023 marks another important milestone with continued exhibition at the Atelier sul Mare in Castel di Tusa (Messina) and participation in international events, such as the exhibition on Sicilianness organized by the Sicilian Artisan Foundation at the Institute of Italian Culture in Krakow, Poland (Plaza). She also participated in the 10th Art Symposium and Workshop "Cefalù City of Artists," where she exhibited her works in the octagon of Santa Caterina in Piazza Duomo in Cefalù (Palermo). Her art continues to be a means of expression and awareness, as demonstrated by the donation of the work "No Violence" to a conference on violence against women, held at the Municipality of San Michele di Ganzaria (CT). Participation in the EU _ Urban Event with the exhibition of her works in the historic center of the city and at the Contemporary Creative Concept Space in Gela (CL).
In 2024, her social commitment was demonstrated through her participation in the fundraising event for people with disabilities, "The Art of Giving to Donate," with the donation of the work "The Red Skirt" at the Mura Federiciane in Gela (CL). During the same period, she also held a solo exhibition entitled "Wood of Sea" at the Arab-Norman Castle in Butera (CL). She also participated in the 3rd "Amedeo Modigliani Award" competition in Rome, and in the same year, she participated in the "Cori Edition 2024-2025" event in Gela (CL), continuing to make her mark on the art world. She participated in the EU event "We Have Everything, We Are Missing the Rest," with the exhibition of the work "From the Sea" at the Contemporary Creative Concept Space in Gela (CL).
In 2025, her works were exhibited at the prestigious Palazzo dei Chierici in Piazza Duomo in Catania, run by the Prestipino & Co. family. Catania (CT). Personal exhibition “Riflessi di Mare” at Villa Fortuna – Proloco of Aci Trezza (CT) and in the same year Participation in the international exhibition “Biennale di Messina” with the work “Corallo” Messina (ME).
The biography of artist Maurizio Russo recounts not only his artistic journey, but also his commitment to the community and his dedication to art as a form of expression and social change.
Selected exhibitions
- 2026 Reflections of the Sea Mario Gori Public Library, Niscemi (CL)
- 2025 Messina Biennale — work “Corallo” Messina (ME), Italy
- 2025 Solo show “Riflessi di Mare” — Aci Trezza Villa Fortuna, Pro-loco of Aci Trezza (CT)
- 2025 🎬"SEA REFLECTIONS"🎥 Stories of Light Gela (CL)
- 2024 Librino's Letters Catania - Librino
- 2024 Solo show “Riflessi di Mare” — Cori Christmas Edition Former Church of San Giovanni, Gela (CL)
- 2024 3rd Amedeo Modigliani Prize 2024 Rome (RM), Italy
- 2024 “L'Arte di Donarsi per Donare” — work “La gonna rossa” Federician Walls, Gela (CL)
- 2024 Solo show “Wood of Sea” Arab-Norman Castle, Butera (CL)
- 2024 Urban Eventi Widespread transdisciplinary quadrennial dedicated to Sicily Gela (CL
- 2023 “Il Salotto dell'Etna” Trecastagni (CT), Sicily
- 2023 Ue _ Urban Event Gela old town & Contemporary Creative Concept Space (Civico 111), Gela (CL)
- 2023 10th Art Symposium “Città degli Artisti” Santa Caterina Octagon, Cefalù (PA)
- 2023 Krakow — show on Sicilian identity Italian Cultural Institute, Krakow (Poland)
- 2023 Atelier sul Mare — permanent exhibition Atelier sul Mare museum-hotel, Castel di Tusa (ME)
- 2022 Conference on violence against women — work “No Violence” San Michele di Ganzaria (CT)
- 2022 Pier Paolo Pasolini Centenary — Spazio Macos Spazio Macos art studio, Messina
- 2022 Effetto Arte Gallery — group show Effetto Arte Gallery, Palermo
- 2022 Cefalù — painting and sculpture group show Santa Caterina Octagon, Cefalù (PA)
- 2022 Spazio Macos — group show Spazio Macos art studio, Messina
- 2022 1st Berlin City Prize — Von Zeidler Art Gallery Von Zeidler Art Gallery, Berlin (Germany)
- 2022 Open-air event for Ukrainian autistic children “La Cala” tourist harbour, Palermo
- 2022 Atelier sul Mare — permanent exhibition Atelier sul Mare museum-hotel, Castel di Tusa (ME)
- 2021 8th Art Symposium “Cefalù Città degli Artisti” Santa Caterina Octagon, Cefalù (PA)
- 2021 “Cenacolo degli Artisti” recognition Casalpusterlengo, Lodi (LO)
- 2021 Atelier sul Mare — permanent exhibition Atelier sul Mare museum-hotel, Castel di Tusa (ME)
- 2020 Atelier sul Mare — permanent exhibition Atelier sul Mare museum-hotel, Castel di Tusa (ME)