Trailblazer in Contemporary and Social Art

Raffaele Ciotola is a famous artist who has revolutionized contemporary art. Master Ciotola is internationally recognized and celebrated for the innovation of his visual language and the social impact of his works. His creations, exhibited in museums, churches, and public collections, and documented in biographical publications and cultural studies, place him among the most significant figures in contemporary art. His style skillfully combines spirituality, aesthetic research, and civic engagement, helping to redefine ethical and artistic perspectives in the modern era.

A trained Master of Art, Ciotola earned both the Diploma in Master of Art and the Artistic High School diploma, further enriching his creative journey with studies in operatic singing at the Conservatorio San Pietro a Majella in Naples - Italy. After completing the lower level of bel canto (tenor), he took all the remaining exams over three years at the Giuseppe Martucci Conservatory of Music in Salerno. To perform his final vocal recital, he took a cortisone injection to better endure the performance. Unfortunately, it was not enough: during the recital he had to stop, realizing that continuing to push his vocal limits would have put his life at risk. From that moment, he chose to devote himself fully to painting, embracing life and art without looking back.

Throughout his career, Ciotola has developed three original artistic movements: “Stop Homoph Art”, founded in 2003 as a cultural initiative against homophobia; “Rock Art Ciotola”, characterized by strong visual energy and the respectful depiction of famous personalities in Rock style; and “Finger Art Ciotola”, a personal and distinctive language based on the imprint of fingers, now among the most recognizable features of his production.

The Stop Homoph Art movement gave rise to one of his most iconic works: “The Madonna of the Homosexuals”, considered a central piece in Italian artistic and social discourse. His journey, evolving from metaphysical and hermetic works to a more ethical and symbolic exploration, has been widely appreciated by both the public and critics. In 2008, his work attracted the attention of Jean-Louis Cougnon, Director General of the Directorate-General of the European Parliament, further confirming the significance of his artistic and civic contribution.

Awards and Recent Movements

• The work “Our Lady of Fatima” has become part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Fatima (Portugal).

• In 2008, he created the artistic movement “Stop Homoph Art”, against homophobia.

• In 2017, the painting movement “Finger Art Ciotola” was born.

• In 2018, he founded “Rock Art Ciotola”, a movement representing famous personalities in Rock style, respectfully enhancing their aesthetic.

• In 2017, Prof. Michela Marconi published the book “Raffaele Ciotola and his Vitalism”, dedicated to the Master.

• The work “Italy Against Racism” was praised by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

• The work “San Bonaventura of Bagnoregio ” is exhibited in the Church of San Francesco in Bagnoregio (Viterbo).

• The work “The Madonna of the Homosexuals”, dedicated to homosexual victims during the Nazi regime, will be permanently exhibited at the Agrarian University of Vasanello (Viterbo).