Mario Teleri Biason - prints and biography

Biography

Mario Teleri Biason is widely recognized as one of Italy’s foremost authorities on printmaking, with expertise that bridges both antique and contemporary works. Over the course of his career, he has been frequently called upon by the Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica–Calcografia, the Cabinet of Prints and Drawings in Rome, and other major cultural institutions to serve as an expert and consultant in the field. His knowledge and insight have made him a central figure in the preservation, study, and advancement of the printmaking tradition in Italy.

Biason’s achievements include receiving the gold medal for graphics at the IX Roman Vito Agresti Prize for the Figurative Arts in 1990, a recognition of his artistic and scholarly contributions. As a curator, he has organized significant exhibitions such as Creatività e tecnica nell’incisione at Palazzo Venezia in Rome, Prospettive at Biblioteca Casanatense, and Printmaking is Forever at Indiana University in Bloomington. These projects reflect his dual commitment to showcasing technical mastery and nurturing creative innovation.

In addition to his curatorial work, Biason has produced documentaries on printmaking for RAI Italian Television, further extending his impact as both educator and advocate for the graphic arts. His career began in the traditional “bottega” apprenticeship model, working as an assistant to Piero Dorazio, one of Italy’s most important contemporary artists. This training deeply influenced his approach to both craft and pedagogy.

Today, Biason directs his own studio in Rome, Il Quadrato di Omega, where he continues the bottega tradition by teaching, hosting seminars, and organizing exhibitions. His studio serves as a vital hub for artists and students seeking to master drawing and printmaking. He has also taught at Temple University’s Rome campus, passing on his expertise to an international community of young artists.

Through his practice as an artist, teacher, curator, and expert consultant, Mario Teleri Biason has established a legacy of excellence and leadership in the world of printmaking.