Antonio Mirizio's Biography

Painting the Glass Ceiling

The female form in all its many guises – this has been Antonio Mirizio’s lifelong passion.  Yet he has never been married, preferring to travel the world and dedicate his life to his art.

To study one of his intricate works is to be amazed by its technical complexity. He is a master of the almost-mathematical process of accurate perspective, enlivened by a stunning and exotic blending of colour in his favourite medium, Indian inks.

Antonio was in fact the first artist to use these as painting inks.  As early as the 1940’s, while still in his twenties, he began to perfect this technique.  Now 81, he continues to apply it with love and skill to his many depictions of the female form in movement and dance.

His extensive portfolio of 150 pieces illustrates his diverse skill and interests, ranging from traditional landscapes in classic style to studies of the human form. His special interest is the Arabian culture, lavish feasts depicted in great detail, complete with sultans, servants, concubines, and the focus of everyone’s attention, the exotic and beautiful belly dancer.  His work in progress in this genre is a massive undertaking with 77 characters.  It measures 3 by 7 metres and required the construction of a glass ceiling in his studio to enable him to paint by  natural light.  He estimates it will take twenty years to complete this masterpiece in oils, “A Thousand and One Nights II”.  His first painting with this theme, completed after six years in 1981, was greeted with great acclaim by his international following.

Antonio Mirizio started drawing at the age of six in is home town of Casamassima, Bari, Italy.  His remarkable gift was quickly recognized by his famous teacher, Professor Domenico Scuccimarri, Academy of Venice Gold Medal Winner, who encouraged him to pursue his studies. He has travelled the world for most of his life, seeking inspiration from different cultures, and has been widely reviewed and acclaimed by the world’s media in eight different languges.  After living in England and Canada for many years, he returned to his birthplace in Italy, where his enthusiasm and dedication to his art continue undiminished.