About the Artist
Carol Rama (Italian, 1918-2015) was a self-taught artist whose unconventional works challenged societal norms and explored themes of sexuality, mental health, and the human body. Born in Turin, Italy, Rama began her artistic career in the 1930s and became known for her bold use of materials, including rubber, leather, and industrial components, alongside traditional media such as ink and paint. Her work, often surreal and abstract, defied classification, but it resonated with movements such as Surrealism, Art Brut, and later Postmodernism. Despite being overlooked for much of her life, Rama gained wider recognition later in her career, particularly after receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale in 2003. Her art continues to influence contemporary artists and remains relevant in discussions about gender, identity, and the body.