'Our Paz, complicated and brilliant,' say the comic artist's brother and sister

The launch of www.andreapazienza.com on what would have been the 70th birthday of the legendary Italian comic artist Andrea Pazienza is a poignant tribute to a man who remains an indelible force in the world of art. His brother, Michele, and sister, Mariella, have dedicated decades to preserving and cataloging his immense body of work, ensuring that his unique vision continues to inspire. This digital archive serves as a vibrant testament to Pazienza's multifaceted genius, a space where his 'thousand faces' can be explored and appreciated.

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In this showcase, there are the thousand faces of Andrea who did everything to complicate things and he also declared it. We hope we never manage to explain everything. What he did cannot be contained in cages... And we have fun staying with him like this.

Pazienza, often described as a 'complicated and brilliant' artist, defied easy categorization. His work, characterized by a rapid, precise line and an uncontrollable, impetuous creativity, spanned a remarkable range of mediums. From iconic characters like Zanardi and Penthotal to his famous caricatures of President Sandro Pertini and his contributions to seminal Italian comics magazines such as 'Cannibale' and 'Frigidaire,' Pazienza's output was as vast as it was original. His artistic reach also extended to painting, film posters for directors like Fellini, and album covers for musicians like Roberto Vecchioni.

His siblings speak of a profound personal connection to his art, recalling his distinctive 'smell' that lingered for years, a sensory memory that underscores the deeply personal impact he had. What continues to strike them, however, is the 'shocking relevance' of his work, even decades after his untimely death at the age of 32. This enduring relevance speaks volumes about Pazienza's ability to capture the zeitgeist and address themes that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.

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What we miss most is his smell, which has remained with us for years, while what continues to strike is his shocking relevance, even after so much time.

The influence of Pazienza on subsequent generations of artists is undeniable. He challenged the perception of comics as a mere form of 'minor pop entertainment,' demonstrating its potential as a powerful medium for artistic expression and social commentary. The website launch is more than just a digital exhibition; it is a celebration of a revolutionary artist whose legacy continues to shape the landscape of Italian and international comic art, proving that true genius transcends time.

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He had the courage to put himself on the line personally.