Michael Malpass

SCREWBALL

1982

Mid-Century enameled steel, glass sculpture that is visually balanced from 360 degrees. All the positive and negative spaces work in total harmony which is a testament to Samuel Cashwan...

This stunning, one-of-a-kind abstract metalwork sculpture is an original creation by renowned American artist Angelo Di Benedetto (1913-1992). Measuring 13 ¼ x 11 ¼ x 7 ½ inches, this mid-century modern masterpiece exemplifies Di Benedetto's signature style, which blends geometric shapes and organic forms with the industrial materials of his time. The piece reflects his deep connection to abstraction and his ability to evoke emotion through the medium of metal. About the Artist: Born: New Jersey, 1913 Died: Central City, CO, 1992 Angelo Di Benedetto was the son of Italian immigrants and a pivotal figure in the American modern art movement. After studying at the prestigious Cooper Union Art School in New York City and earning a certificate in freehand drawing, Di Benedetto further honed his skills at the Boston Museum Art School, where he was awarded a scholarship. His talent was recognized early, as he won first prize in his first juried exhibition at the Montclair Museum in 1937. In 1938, Di Benedetto's ethnological study trip to Haiti, sponsored by the Royal Netherlands Steamship Line, deeply influenced his art and broadened his artistic perspective. His first solo exhibition in 1940 at the Montross Gallery in New York City showcased his vibrant Haitian paintings. During World War II, Di Benedetto served in Africa and later in Washington, D.C., before returning to Denver in 1945. Inspired by Colorado’s stunning landscape, he decided to make it his home. By 1947, he had settled in Central City, where he became a key figure in the local art scene. Di Benedetto co-founded the Denver Art Center with Frank Vavra...