Valerio de Cristofaro

Biography

Valerio De Cristofaro was born in Rome in 1978 and revealed his artistic talent from a very young age. As a child, he stood out for his natural ability to draw with pencil, chalk, and ink. During high school, he developed a strong passion for contemporary art, dedicating himself to the study of post-war masters. He trained in the ateliers of Rome’s leading painters, learning traditional techniques while developing a personal style rooted in clarity, precision, and expressive power. His early fascination with Pop Art led him to explore visual languages that are both impactful and accessible.

At the age of 20, he began working professionally in publishing and television, while continuing to refine his drawing and painting through constant practice. Influenced by his love for cinema, cartoons, comics, and video games, De Cristofaro’s work combines vivid imagination with introspective depth. His artistic research spans a wide range of styles—from Pop Art to trompe-l'œil, from abstraction to classic illustration—always driven by a deep understanding of color and composition. His works are known for their strong emotional resonance and high visual impact.

Among his most iconic creations is a celebrated black-and-white series realized with a unique “pleat” technique, portraying figures from the world of entertainment. These works blend elegance and movement, creating a play of light and perspective that is both refined and contemporary. His most recent series—portraits of iconic celebrities reinterpreted with bold, modern flair—confirms his ability to continuously reinvent himself while remaining true to his distinct and recognizable artistic voice.