Stefan Perathoner: Perfection and Deception

Born in 1968 in Brixen (South Tyrol, Italy), Perathoner studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Salzburg and took a summer course with Judy Fox in New York after graduating as a master sculptor in 1995. From 2001-2008 he lived in South America, where he taught sculpture at different schools in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. Perathoner now lives and works in Ortisei, Val Gardena, Italy.

Beginning in the precise representation of the human figure, Perathoner's work receives painterly accents, which produces a contrast that builds tension in this work between a direct, almost reverential depiction and then an expressive approach.

A sculptor, Stefan Perathoner has a developed knowledge of human anatomy. His works originate, first and foremost, in the precise representation of the human figure. This receives painterly accents, which produces a contrast that builds tension in this work between a direct, almost reverential depiction and then an expressive approach.

Working in carved wood, but also at times terracotta, Perathoner mixes form and surface image to profound effect. This may involve animal markings unifying a human form in sculpture which transcends a binary depiction of gender. At other times, a historical figure may be brought dramatically to life, or a reclining female nude takes the rhythms of a hard edged painting.  Body painting–resonating across mass culture, but also too indigenous cultures, and that of sculptures origins–is also present here.

Stefan’s female and male sculptures are created in his workshop in front of a living model. The artist carves them entirely from a solid piece of lime wood or in clay. It is a long process until he realises the smallest details of the human body, meticulously perfect, with chisels and sandpaper. In this respect, Perathoner is a master of his craft. Once a sculpture is finished, the painting is created–realised with the same precision and masterful abilities.