Renowned Sculptor Girolamo Ciulla Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Myth-inspired Contemporary Art

Renowned sculptor Girolamo Ciulla, known for his contemporary interpretations of ancient Greek myths, has passed away at the age of 71 in Pietrasanta, after battling a long illness. Born in Caltanissetta in 1952, Ciulla moved to Tuscany at a young age and became recognized as one of the most talented artists of his generation. He received honorary citizenship from Pietrasanta in April 2023, where he had resided since 1988. Ciulla began collaborating with Galleria Forni in Bologna in 1987 and exhibited his work in various national and international shows and fairs.

Ciulla’s sculptures, primarily crafted from travertine or marble, breathed life into figures from ancient Greek mythology, which had greatly influenced him during his childhood in Sicily. Critics acknowledge that Ciulla’s work went beyond mere illustrations of myth, as he brought characters from ancient stories to life, including classical goddesses and pre-Roman warriors, evoking a sense of elegance and reconnecting viewers with a distant past. Giorgio Soavi described Ciulla’s sculptures as symbolizing the delicate air that passes from a child’s lips to their mother’s.

Ciulla’s artworks have been showcased in prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale, Busan Biennale in South Korea, and the Accademia San Luca in Rome. His works have also been displayed in various museums and spaces across Italy and internationally, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Notable monuments created by Ciulla include sculptures for the church of San Pietro in Caltanissetta (2002), the Crocodiles in Castagnola square (2003), and an installation featuring Mensoloni in Caltanissetta square (2003). Ciulla’s sculptures can be found in prominent locations such as the Vittoriale degli Italiani, and his most recent public work, the Aphrodite Fountain, was unveiled in Pietrasanta last year.

The mayor of Pietrasanta, Alberto Stefano Giovannetti, expressed his condolences and fond memories of Ciulla, highlighting their long acquaintance and collaboration on the Aphrodite Fountain project. Ciulla is remembered as a helpful, easy-going, and generous individual. Aphrodite’s Water, the fountain, stands as a cherished gift to the community. Finestre Sull’Arte dedicated a video to Girolamo Ciulla, which can be viewed through the provided link.

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