Salvator Montalto

As a self-taught artist, I discovered sculpture three years ago, a discipline that has allowed me to merge my love of art with my fascination for light and shadow. My work is inspired by the masters of chiaroscuro such as Caravaggio, Georges de La Tour, Rembrandt, and Joseph Wright of Derby. These artists, through their mastery of light, instill a dramatic power that resonates deeply with my approach.

My approach is unique, blending two mediums: acrylic and wood. My sculptures come to life within a 6 cm deep frame, fixed by an aluminum rod. The background of the frame is covered in a deep black capable of absorbing more than 99% of light, creating a striking contrast that accentuates the relief and chiaroscuro effect.

I sculpt only what the light illuminates, deliberately leaving in shadow everything that is not visible, to reinforce this tension between the visible and the invisible. This approach invites the viewer's interaction, who becomes active in front of the work. Intrigued, they try to mentally reconstruct the missing parts, imagining what lies hidden in the shadow.

My subjects are inspired by multiple influences: pop culture, faces, esotericism, music, and Hollywood cinema from the 1940s to the 1960s. Each sculpture becomes an invitation to explore not only what is shown, but also what is suggested, leaving room for imagination and emotion.