“My goal is to represent spatially the complexity of profiles, the dimensions of forms which constantly seem to rearrange themselves in space and set themselves between the empty space and the concrete form.” Mario Dal Fabbro
Direction Optical, Carved Wood Sculpture, 1968
by Mario Dal Fabbro (1913 – 1990)
H: 17 1/2″ x W: 25″ x D: 16″
Signed and dated
Three Squares, 1971
H: 22″ x W: 18″ x D: 6″
Signed, and bears an original tag
Dal Fabbro was born into a family of furniture-making craftsmen in Capella Maggiore, Treviso, Italy. He studied in Venice at the Institute for Decorative and Industrial Arts and at the Regio Magistero Artistico, majoring in art and design and graduating with honors in 1938.
Untitled, 1982
H: 6 1/2″ x W: 16″ x 4″
Signed and dated
He has authored over 20 books on furniture design, created works that are sensuously anthropomorphic and while reminiscent of Brancusi have an even more tactile quality due to his choice of woods.
Birds at play, 1972
H: 19″ x W: 22″ x D: 12 1/2″
Signed, dated, and inscribed
In his later career, Dal Fabbro focused solely on his sculpture, perfecting his transformation of wood into his signature fluid and dynamic shapes. This exhibition at Maison Gerard is the latest in an ongoing series showcasing artists who are little known outside the collector’s market but whose work is important and noteworthy today.
Untitled, 1978
H: 23″ x W: 5 3/4″ x D: 8″
Signed and inscribed
Photos courtesy: Maison Gerard
All rights reserved
“I personally love the effortless quality of his work, the purity of form, which is the thread throughout the body of work…” Benoist F. Drut, Maison Gerard
Mario Dal Fabbro Sculpture: Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 22nd – 6 – 9 PM
Exhibition from Thursday, February 23 – Friday, March 30, 2012
Artists are a rare breed, and their actions are usually misunderstood. How do you explain why someone as creative and imaginative as Mario Dal Fabbro chose not to sell his important sculptures during his lifestyle? I don’t pretend to know the answer to that, but I do know that many art collectors are thankful that the wait is over.
Starting this Thursday, until March 30th, Maison Gerard will feature and sell 40 rare and exquisite wood sculptures by the artist and mid-century furniture designer at their swanky gallery, located at 43 East 10th Street. RSVP (
rsvp@maisongerard.com) for this event, because quite frankly, you won’t regret it.
In his lifetime, the esteemed sculptor only exhibited his works but never allowed them to be sold. Known for his seductive abstract forms, and his connection to the wood is evident in the way he highlights the natural beauty of its density, color and grain. The result is the constant interaction of solid and void, mass and movement, for pieces that are supremely architectural and structured yet sensuous and tactile. He was trained as a sculptor but took an active role in the family furniture business. I will look for you at the party in order to entertain your feedback for this special sale and exhibition at Maison Gerard. Are you thinking of purchasing one of these sculptures, and if so, which one? Look for my feedback of the preview party at the News and Events Secion at the Devenish Group, this coming Friday. See you soon.
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