Remembering Dolores Demurtas

Magazzino Italian Art is saddened by the loss of Dolores Demurtas (1935–2023), an extraordinary Sardinian artist known for her traditional ceramics.

Born in 1935 in San Gavino, Sardinia, Dolores Demurtas' artistic legacy is intricately woven into the ancient culture, customs, and locally-sourced materials of the island. Her journey began with an exploration of color and glaze, culminating in meticulously handcrafted ceramics that exude evocative and enigmatic qualities, reminiscent of Sardinia's rich heritage.

During a meeting in Cagliari in 1985 with Pope John Paul II, Demurtas presented him with a ceramic plate adorned with the papal insignia—a vibrant bas-relief embellished with enamel, gold, and platinum. Her artistic contributions have graced prestigious exhibitions like the Venice Biennial and the Milan Triennial, finding a place in collections and museums around the world in London, Paris, Tokyo, Montreal, and Sydney, among others.

Demurtas’ beautiful Brocca, Mondiali di Calcio ITALIA 90, decorated by hand to reproduce flowers and leaves of the Mediterranean Myrtus, is part of Magazzino Italian Art’s collection. Her artistry continues to captivate and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ceramics and artistic expression.