(b.1931)
Literature: Arturo Schwarz, "Fabio De Sanctis" (monografia), ed. italiano-inglese/ italiano-francese, Edizioni Bora, Bologa, 1997.
The Italian born Fabio de Sanctis, though not very well known in the United States, has led an interesting and illustrious life. Upon graduating from the Faculty of Architecture in Rome in 1957, de Sanctis opened is own architecture practice, and went on to acquire numerous clients for whom he designed both the exteriors and interior decoration.
In the early 1960's, he began to design furniture because he was feeling unsatisfied with and rather bored by "contemporary furniture" design. In 1963, de Sanctis, along with Ugo Sterpini, formed Officina 11. Officina 11 was responsible for the design of 27 critically acclaimed, pieces of furniture, which were internationally exhibited. In May 1965, Andre Breton invited Officina 11 to exhibit at the International Surrealist Exhibition, "L'Ecart Absolu" in Paris, which was the final official exhibition of the Surrealist movement. During this time, de Sanctis joined the Surrealists and frequented their meetings. His sculpture and furniture, often bizarre but always original and entertaining, is full of wit and an unexpected juxtaposition of elements.
In the mid-to late 1960's, de Sanctis participated in several major US exhibitions, including "Fantasy Furniture" (Museum of Contemporary Craft, NY, 1966) and "The Object Transformed" (Museum of Modern Art, NY, 1966). Throughout his career, de Sanctis became involved with site specific installations, sculpture, and furniture design. Through 2001, he continued to exhibit his work internationally. De Sanctis has been the subject of numerous monographs, but his work is quite difficult to find.
