Elvio Becheroni "Totem" Abstract Sculpture, 1988

Design
1988

Manufacture
1980-1989

Location
New York City

Elvio Becheroni "Totem" abstract sculpture, wood, Brazil, 1988.

Elvio Becheroni designed the Totem sculpture in 1988 as a statement on environmental issues. Crafted from Pau Brasil wood salvaged from Amazon rainforest fires, the piece embodies both loss and resilience. Becheroni incorporated iron beams within the organic structure, forming a skeletal framework that resembles a protective cage. This contrast highlights the delicate balance between nature and human intervention.
Totem follows the current of abstract naturalism, where geometry and organic forms intersect. The wood’s linear grain guides the composition, creating a continuous yet disrupted flow. The missing fragments emphasize absence and presence, reinforcing the tension between preservation and decay. The totemic structure references indigenous symbolism, representing unity and shared responsibility in protecting natural heritage.
Born in Florence in 1934, Becheroni established himself in Milan’s avant-garde scene. His multidisciplinary approach included sculpture, painting, ceramics, and jewelry. Active in major 1960s and 1980s art movements, he exhibited internationally. In 1980, Ana Maria Niemeyer invited him to showcase his work in Rio de Janeiro, marking his entry into South America. His studios in São Paulo, Detroit, and Milan solidified his global presence.
The abstract forms of Elvio Becheroni align with modernist traditions, echoing Kandinsky and Mondrian. His work, housed in museums and private collections, remains a testament to the enduring power of art as a tool for change.

We accurately check the quality of every object. Our in-house expert craftsmen carefully reviewed the item. Contact us for additional information.