Sicilian Soul: The Art of Alessandro Florio

Alessandro Florio's journey from self-taught beginnings to international acclaim is marked by an unwavering dedication to artistic exploration and a deeply personal connection to his Sicilian roots. As Maddox Gallery’s featured artist for February, we explore his artistic journey, Sicilian heritage, and the philosophy behind his evocative works.

The Making of an Artist: From Sicily to the World

Born in Italy, Florio’s path to art was unconventional. He never formally studied painting, yet his practice developed through an innate, magnetic connection to the canvas. His early works, introspective and structured, reflected a search for control. But it was through travelling—exposing himself to different cultures, artistic styles and perspectives—that his practice evolved into something more conceptual, more distilled.

Influences such as Giotto and Cimabue were instrumental in shaping Florio’s approach to colour, form, and texture. Giotto’s revolutionary use of space and depth, along with Cimabue’s elegant and detailed rendering, left an indelible mark on Florio’s evolving style.

A Sicilian Soul in Every Stroke

Despite his global influences, Florio’s Sicilian roots run deep, shaping both the themes and execution of his work. "La Sicilia è nei miei colori, nelle mie forme" ("Sicily is in my colours, in my shapes"), he muses, explaining how the island’s landscapes, nature, and cultural seep into his artistic DNA, shaping both the themes and execution of his work. Whether it’s the warmth of the Mediterranean light or the layered history of a place where civilisations have collided for centuries, Sicily is ever-present in his work.

Miami Dream 79 (2024), Acrylic on canvas, 200 x 200 cm

Florio’s Sicilian heritage is echoed in his use of color and symbolism. Elements like animals, trees, and oranges often appear in his paintings, reflecting the island's abundant nature. The vivid oranges of Sicilian groves, the lush green of olive trees, and the rich hues of the land are present in Florio's work, not just as aesthetic choices but as deep representations of his roots. The colors and forms of Sicily—alive with nature’s vibrant palette—find their way into his pieces, infusing them with the warmth and spirit of the Mediterranean.

A Global Stage for a Singular Vision

Florio’s recognition has soared in recent years, marking milestones that affirm his place in the international art world. In 2023, he held his first solo exhibition, Window to the South, at the historic Palace of the ex-Magistrates’ Court in Taormina. The same year, his works captivated audiences during Art Basel Miami, where he exhibited three pieces with the Gitano Faena Group.

His momentum continued in December 2024, when he participated in Art Miami during Art Basel. The response was electric—his three paintings were placed with collectors within two days. Each new exhibition further solidifies his status as a contemporary artist whose work resonates far beyond Italy.

Stories in Colour and Form

Now available at Maddox Gallery, Florio’s latest pieces invite viewers into his ever-expanding narrative.

Threesome (2024), Acrylic on canva, 250 x 200 cm 

Threesome encapsulates the artist’s fascination with human connection. The interplay of three figures—perhaps lovers, perhaps strangers—suggests a silent yet palpable tension. The reduced palette and abstracted forms compel the viewer to search for meaning in the negative space. The title originates from the fact that Florio painted three different layers on this canvas, each a distinct artwork before settling on the final composition. Beneath the surface, two earlier paintings remain concealed, adding depth and hidden history to the piece.

Gran Hotel Timeo (2024), Acrylic on wood panel, 255 x 170 cm

Painted on a wood panel, Grand Hotel Timeo pays homage to the iconic Belmond Hotel in Taormina, a site brimming with literary and artistic history. The juxtaposition of classical architecture with Florio’s modern abstraction results in a work that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. It also captures the essence of Mediterranean life—the golden glow of late afternoons, evoking the languid beauty of an endless Sicilian summer.

San Francesco Agli Animali (2024), Acrylic on canvas, 180 x 200 cm

San Francesco Agli Animali bridges the sacred and the natural, embodying Florio’s deep-rooted connection to both. This large scale painting reflects the artist’s deep reverence for animals and their inherent purity. Drawing inspiration from the name of San Francesco d'Assisi, founder of the religious order of the Franciscans, the painting cleverly reimagines the concept of devotion—this time, not toward humans, but toward animals. Through this work, the artist advocates for the respect and reverence animals deserve, elevating them as beings of grace and sincerity. The figures and shapes dissolve into one another, mirroring the organic harmony of Sicily’s landscape, where past and present coexist fluidly.

The Future of Alessandro Florio

Looking ahead, Florio continues to push boundaries. "L’arte è un dialogo senza fine" ("Art is an ongoing dialogue"), he remarks, seeing each canvas as a conversation that extends beyond the moment of creation. The artist remains committed to exploring new dimensions while staying true to the essence of his origins.

For collectors and enthusiasts, Alessandro Florio’s works at Maddox Gallery represent an opportunity to own a piece of this evolving dialogue—a blend of Sicilian heritage, global influence, and conceptual mastery. To enquire about his available paintings, contact our team at Maddox Gallery.

This February, we invite you to step into Florio’s world—a world where past and present, structure and spontaneity converge in breathtaking harmony.

Register your interest