Biography

Born in 1955 in Rome, Italy. Lives and works in Rome. Dessi studies at the Academy of Fine Arts where he graduates in scenography with Toti Scialoja. After working in the mid-1970s, with the experimental theatre, he takes part in group and solo exhibitions. He moves his studio to the Pastificio Cerere in San Lorenzo, Rome. In 1984, he takes part at the exhibition Ateliers, curated by Achille Bonito Oliva, with Domenico Bianchi, Bruno Ceccobelli, Giuseppe Gallo, Piero Pizzi Cannella and Marco Tirelli. His exhibition activity intensifies with numerous solo and group exhibitions in Europe and in the United States (Amsterdam, Rome, Berlin, Milan, New York, Basel, Los Angeles). He participates to Venice Biennale in 1984, 1986 and 1993 and to Quadrennial of Rome in 1986 and 1996. During the 1990s, his use of colour is more predominant, whilst in the 2000’s he opens a new dialogue between painting and sculpture. Among his exhibitions, Galleria dell’Oca (2003), Macro in Rome (2006), and Mart in Rovereto (2009). He continues to collaborate with theatres designing the stages for Parsifal by Richard Wagner, presented at the Salzburg Festival, directed by Peter Stein, and with Orchestra Director Claudio Abbado. In 2008-2010 he builds the stage of The Duke Bluebeard’s Castle by Bela Bartok, performed at the theatre of La Scala in Milan and at Het Muziektheater in Amsterdam.