PAOLO PORELLI

Paolo Porelli, Rome Italy (1966). After graduating in painting (Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma, Italy), Porelli began a period of experimentation in ceramics in which he identified an anthropomorphic figure as his preferred expressive form. Clay remains his principal medium, although he often integrates ‘ready-mades’ in his sculptures as well as casts of found objects. Life-size to small-scale figures stand alone or in installations. In recent work, Porelli uses 3-D images and 3-D printing to create prototypes for a series of figures, individualized through modifications, additions, and subtractions. 

Porelli is the co-founder of CRETA Rome (2012), an international centre for ceramics and fine arts. In 2021, Paolo was elected a member of the International Academy of Ceramics.

The artist has exhibited widely in Europe, the US and Asia. His works have been presented in 20 solo shows and more than 90 group exhibitions, including international biennials. The subject of feature-length articles in the US, Asia and Europe, Porelli has participated in symposia and residencies at RISD, The International Ceramic Studio in Keskemet, The Bray, The Clay Studio of Philadelphia, European Ceramic Work Centre, Jingdezhen International Studio and more. 

In 2026, Paolo will have museum shows in Germany, Italy and the USA. At the Stadtmuseum in Siegburg, Germany, the double solo exhibition "Zeitgenössische Keramik aus Italien" will contain a retrospective of his past and more recent installations. During Argillà 2026, at the Museo Zauli in Faenza, he will present “A Party for Betty”, created during a residency at Betty Woodman’s studio in Italy, alongside a selection of Betty Woodman’s pieces. His itinerant exhibition, Figure Out. Catastrophe or Regeneration, will be shown in two American venues, first at the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum in 2026, followed by its presentation at the Fuller Craft Museum in 2027.

At Alfred, a new large-scale series printed in 3D, made during a residency at RISD, will be presented for the first time. At the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery of Keene State University in New Hampshire, the "Green Regeneration" installation will be shown alongside works on paper.

World’s Fair Gallery is proud to present Humanphoria, a rare oppurtunity to see Paolo’s 2D works paired with his sculpture. Join us on January 22nd at 6 PM to celebrate the occasion. The show runs through February 22nd, 2026.