▲ The portrait of the artist Courtesy of Corbett vs. Dempsey

Dominick Di Meo, an influential artist who played a key role in shaping Chicago's art scene in the 1960s, passed away at the age of 97. The announcement was made by his gallery, Corbett vs. Dempsey, on Sunday. Di Meo was known for his surreal paintings and collages, which gained a cult following and brought new energy to the Chicago art world.

The artist was a prominent member of the "Monster Roster," a group of Chicago artists in the 1960s who diverged from the mainstream trends of Pop art and Minimalism prevalent in New York. His work, which was neither fully abstract nor completely figural, was part of an effort to rejuvenate a local art scene that he once described as "creatively dead." The Monster Roster artists often drew inspiration from ancient mythologies to subtly comment on contemporary issues, with Di Meo's unique style reflecting a fascination with the human condition.

▲ Dominick Di MeoAroused by a Tongue, Venus Turning in Her Dream Stirs the Constellations1964-65synthetic and charcoal on canvas72 x 50 inches Corbett vs. Dempsey

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1927 to Italian immigrant parents, Di Meo's early battle with polio profoundly influenced his artistic direction. This experience, particularly an incident in a polio ward where he lost cherished toys, inspired him to express himself through art. He moved to Chicago to study at the School of the Art Institute, initially focusing on landscape painting before transitioning to a more experimental and avant-garde approach.

Influenced by movements such as Dada and Surrealism, He incorporated ready-made objects into his work and developed private symbologies. He also drew inspiration from Aztec, African, and Mayan art, particularly through exhibitions at the Field Museum in Chicago. His works from the 1960s, such as "Satie by Moonlight" (1966) and "Somnabulator" (1964), are noted for their unconventional use of materials and surreal imagery. 

▲ Dominick Di MeoUntitled (blue and orange with black figures)1965acrylic and synthetic polymer on canvas74 x 60 inches Courtesy of Corbett vs. Dempsey

In 1969, He relocated to New York, eventually settling in SoHo, where he continued to explore assemblage art using found materials. Despite early recognition, including exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1972, He had a prolonged hiatus from solo exhibitions. This hiatus lasted until 2008 when Corbett vs. Dempsey showcased his work in a solo exhibition. His later years saw renewed interest in his art, with solo shows at prestigious galleries like Thomas Dane Gallery in London and JTT Gallery in New York.

The artist often expressed ambivalence towards fame, embracing his status as an outsider. Reflecting on the artistic exodus from SoHo, he remarked in a 2007 interview, "It's nicer now that most of the artists have left. Artists are prima donnas, you know."

▲ Dominick Di MeoThe Somnambulator1964oil and synthetic on canvas50 x 72 inches Corbett vs. Dempsey

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com