Mario Raimondo (barbadirame) Biography
Mario Raimondo, also known as Barbadirame, was born in 1923 in Dolceacqua. Particularly known as a close collaborator of Pablo Picasso, the two first met in the 1950s and remained in artistic connection until Picasso's death in 1973. At the beginning of his professional career, Barbadirame worked as a decorator, creating numerous frescoes in private residences and castles during his travels on the Riviera dei Fiori and the French Riviera. Ironbeard distinguished himself as a multifaceted artist, capable of painting and sculpting with great skill. Among his most famous works, we can mention the enormous statue he created, in collaboration with Mario Agrifoglio, in honor of the astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini. Barbadirame's exhibitions attracted the participation of various celebrities including Jean Cocteau, Picasso, Grace Kelly and her husband, the Prince of Monaco. At the height of his artistic maturity, Barbadirame received the prestigious Biamonti Prize, a recognition of great value for art and literature, which authentically represents the essence of Liguria. Barbadirame died on 15 January 2010 in Bordighera.
