Mirko Roncelli: the architect of matter and the hidden emotions of the human soul
Mirko Roncelli is a contemporary Italian artist and architect whose work represents a unique dialogue between technical knowledge, design thinking and emotional expression. Born in Bergamo in 1957, Roncelli trained as an architect at the Polytechnic University of Milan and later obtained the title of StylistEngineer at the University of Modena.
This dual identity deeply influences his artistic vision: in his paintings, the precision of architectural structures meets the freedom and intensity of informal abstraction. Over the years, Mirko Roncelli has exhibited in major international locations, including Paris, New York, Dubai, Monte Carlo, Tokyo, Brussels, Stockholm and Washington. His works have been presented in prestigious exhibitions, art fairs and cultural events, including participation at the Venice Biennale 2017 in the Armenia Pavilion and the Architecture Biennale 2018.
He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including prizes in Monte Carlo, Cannes, Washington, Venice, Cesenatico and other important cultural centres. His works are included in public and private collections in Italy and abroad and are published in major contemporary art catalogues and magazines. Nowadays, he lives and works in Villa d’Almè, near Bergamo, where he continues his research through painting, design and artistic experimentation.
Alongside his professional career as an architect – working since 1985 in fields ranging from private construction to urban planning, landscape design and furniture -he has developed a personal artistic language that has gained international recognition. Roncelli’s art belongs to informal abstraction, where matter becomes a key expressive element. Through mixed techniques using pastes, pigments and recovered materials, often with tools created by the artist himself, his canvases gain a unique tactile quality. Beneath the apparent spontaneity of his work lies an architectural sense of balance, with geometric structures and compositions reflecting his background.
His use of colour conveys emotions, moving from dark tones symbolising struggle and uncertainty to brighter shades representing light, resilience and hope. Roncelli’s art explores the human condition through themes of memory, time and inner emotions. Works such as Il tempo che non c’è, Frammenti di luce and Fuori dal buio reflect his vision of the journey from darkness to light, where material textures represent life experiences, struggles and the possibility of renewal.
Market value and collector interest
Roncelli’s position in the contemporary art market reflects his international career and growing collector interest. His works are presented through galleries and auctions, with values influenced by size, technique, materials and series. Medium-sized works generally range from €2,800 to €3,800, while pandemic-era works (2020–2021), focused on themes of isolation and transformation, have attracted particular attention.
The use of mixed techniques and recycled materials can further increase their value, making authentication and documentation essential for preserving their artistic and economic importance. Beyond market considerations, Roncelli’s practice continues to be recognised for its ability to explore the human condition, combining architectural discipline and painting to transform matter into a visual language of fragility, struggle and hope.
