Antonino Sciortino

Inspired by his past as a dancer, Antonino Sciortino creates pieces that combine the simplicity of iron with the whimsy of its lightness. Born in Palermo, Antonino Sciortino was just eight years old when his father taught him how to work with iron. It did not take long, therefore, for his talent and artistic flair to emerge. However, this was not the aspect of art that Sciortino explored early in his life. Indeed, he moved to Rome and worked as a dancer and choreographer for television in the Italian capital for many years. It was not until 2003 that he found himself drawn back to the manual arts. He then settled in Milan and opened his own studio with the support of the “Compagnia del Giardino”.

It is the flexibility of mild steel and its ability to bend with the lightness of air – like a dance – that appeal to Antonino Sciortino. The artist’s background as a dancer lends his simple yet sophisticated work a contrasting edge, with an influence that leans towards the whimsical. In his Milanese studio, he began creating all manner of furniture, from tables to vases and baskets.

It was at Serax’s request that he began to create his more extensive furniture collections. His versatile work reflects both his minimalist, baroque and rudimentary style, as well as his childhood spent by the water’s edge in Sicily. He plays with lines and light to craft objects that seem to cast dancing shadows.

Reflecting his passion for creations made entirely of iron, Antonino Sciortino designs the Gio & Meo baskets, which stand out for the unique character of each piece. Whilst attempting to make a sofa for his own home, he crafted the Volvo sofa collection. With the aim of combining practicality and iron, he creates durable sofas with a vintage touch whilst maintaining the comfort expected of such a piece. The artist retains a traditional Italian flair in all his creations.