Mid 20th Century Abstract Painting by Achillo 'Achi' Sullo

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Achillo Sullo, known as “Achi” (1922-2013), was a first-generation Italian born in Boston. This piece is a classic representation of … Read more Achillo Sullo, known as “Achi” (1922-2013), was a first-generation Italian born in Boston. This piece is a classic representation of his work which was abstract and organic. In particular, this painting, which incorporates army green and brown, shows the influence of his early artistic career painting camouflage patterns on Army vehicles (along with Ellsworth Kelly) during his four years in the Army Engineering Corps during WWII. It can be hung vertically or horizontally. While unsigned, as were many of his paintings, it is marked on the back as being part of his estate.

The GI Bill enabled Sullo to attend The Boston Museum School of Fine Arts for four years with a fifth year in Italy and France graduating in 1949. Classmate Cy Twombly also graduated from the Museum School in 1949 and Ellsworth Kelly attended in 1948-49.

Sullo’s only known museum exhibition was a one-man show at the deCordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts in November 1958 titled “Roxbury Pastorals, Paintings and Drawings”. Sullo also exhibited in the late 1950s and early 1960s at Boston’s Dunbarton Galleries and the Stanhope Gallery as well as at the Boston Museum School Gallery in April 1963.

Sullo, a recluse, maintained a studio in Roxbury and never tried to sell his work. See less