"Ho molti amici alberi" Sculpture

Mario La Fortezza is a visionary photo-sculptor whose work explores the profound dialogue between the stillness of photography and the organic vitality of wood. With a distinguished career that began in the international advertising world, Mario has evolved his practice into a unique artistic language where images are not merely printed, but "built" into three-dimensional structures. His signature series, "I Have Many Tree Friends", reflects a deep, almost spiritual connection with nature. By layering photographic fragments onto hand-cut poplar or fir supports, Mario creates works that breathe. Each piece is a tactile experience where the grain of the wood and the photographic image merge. In the series “Hold infinity in the palm of your hand” he invites the viewer to discover in simple frozen puddles the mystery contained in the play of dimensions, where the microcosm maintains and contains all the principles and wonderful complexities of the macrocosm. As a certified Art Therapist, Mario brings a unique sensitivity to his creative process. His works are designed to be more than decor; they are "windows of mindfulness" intended to make environments more welcoming, relaxing, and soul-engaging. His technique involves a complex layering process—visible even on the meticulously crafted backs of his sculptures—which represents the stratification of memory and time. Mario’s work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and institutions across Europe, including Galleria Il Diaframma (Milan), Museo Ken Damy (Brescia), Biennale Fotografia (Turin), and Triangle Gallery (Brussels). He is a regular presence at international fairs like MIA Photo Fair. Over the years, his research has gained the acclaim of renowned critics and collectors such as Lanfranco Colombo, Denis Curti, Roberto Mutti, Michele Mirabella… Today, Mario continues to create from his studio, offering collectors works that are at once intriguing, poetic, and deeply rooted in the natural world.