Andrea Bertelli Biography
Andrea Bertelli was born in 1920 in Stuffione, Italy. He attended primary school in Solara, a town near Bomporto, and subsequently continued his studies in Stuffione. In these years he painted his first watercolors until 1932, subsequently exhibited in an anthological exhibition called "Ritorno a Stuffione" during the cultural event "STUFFIONARTE", organized by the association "la Bottega degli Artisti". Bertelli had a dream of becoming an artist from a young age, but he also pursued the imperative need to make his art more than just decorative. He wanted to use his art as a form of research that combines contemporary styles with the exploration of social themes. In 1934 Bertelli moved to Bologna for better job opportunities and in 1940 he began working for the State Railways as a steam engineer, something that would mark his life and his artistic career. He served in the military from 1941 to 1943 and, after the war, continued to work for the State Railways until obtaining his qualification as an Electrical Engineer in 1951. In 1968 he also obtained a license to drive fast trains. It was only in 1968, when he felt financially secure, that he returned to painting. His art allowed him to explore his inner feelings through introspective dialogue and careful observation of everyday life situations. Bertelli was not a painter of commercial trends and icons, but rather a truly evolving artist. Among his works we remember "Pensando a Morandi", a tribute to Giorgio Morandi, on permanent display in the Torquato Secci Waiting Room of the Bologna Railway Station, and "Homage to Gugliemo Marconi". Bertelli's numerous personal and collective exhibitions testify to his development and artistic growth, where he has found the support of authoritative critics. His recent works delve into reality by flattening it and deconstructing it into modern visions, removing unnecessary elements to create elegant and emotional pieces. Bertelli's excellent technical skills, knowledge of art and expressive ability allow him to achieve an unparalleled compositional balance. His works often incorporate surreal themes, with objects and people appearing in unexpected contexts. Bertelli was strongly influenced by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte and Giorgio De Chirico, but managed to create his own unique style, emphasizing the importance of human emotions, social issues and the role of the artist in communication. Bertelli's last solo exhibition dates back to 2006, shortly after his death. His artistic legacy has inspired and influenced many artists, proving that one can combine a lifetime of confidence and passion to achieve artistic excellence.
