Alberto Morrocco – bringing Italian sunshine to the heart of Scotland

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Alberto Morrocco (1917–98) was a Scottish artist and teacher, born in Aberdeen to immigrant Italian parents.  After attending Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, he spent most of his professional life in Dundee, where he taught at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and became Head of the School of Painting. After retiring from his post in 1982, he continued to produce a great deal of new work.

What makes Morrocco’s work so exciting (and indeed cheering) is his bold and brightly coloured palette, and his joyful and often humorous approach to life. He constantly painted his family, and the places he knew and visited, and his affection for his subjects is very much in evidence. Much of the material for his reliefs and sculptures was collected on his travels, to form very witty visual puns.

This can be seen in an exhibition, prior to a sale, of much of the contents of Morrocco’s personal studio from his home at Binrock House, Dundee. Over 180 items are included, of all types, for in addition to many works of art from different periods of the artist’s life, there are easels and palettes, ephemera and furniture.

Morrocco’s style demonstrates the influences of Picasso, Giacometti and others. Sunshine permeates much of his work, and people are everywhere, whether sunbathing on beaches, promenading in the streets, relaxing in gardens or busy at home. His many indoor scenes and portraits also show the influence of Bonnard, with their interest in patterned surfaces and in everyday themes and activities.

Full View - Christie’s South Kensington, 85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD
Saturday, 7 July: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday, 8 July: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Monday, 9 July: 9.00am – 7.30pm
Tuesday, 10 July: 9.00am – 5.00pm

The sale takes place on 11 July 2012.

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