Paolo Santangelo: Sculptural Ceramics with Bold Geometry and Oversized Charm
Born in Bari in 1990 and trained in Milan at NABA and IED, Paolo Santangelo has earned recognition as “the artist of the circle.” His creative journey blends the ancient ceramic traditions of Puglia with the bold experimentation of the 1950s, ’70s, and ’80s. The result? A signature style in contemporary ceramic design that feels sculptural, functional, and intensely modern.
Geometric Identity in Modern Ceramic Art
The hallmark of Santangelo’s ceramic work lies in his strict use of geometric shapes—spheres, cones, parallelepipeds, and rings—combined with an intuitive play between micro and macro proportions. His collections Euclidea and Cartesiana reflect a constant tension between formal clarity and structural imagination, constructing three-dimensional volumes that defy conventional axes of perspective.
A standout example is the Tetra vase, characterized by a low central body and four oversized rings that extend outward, visually expanding the object’s presence. The interplay between the minimalist core and the exaggerated external features creates a visually striking aesthetic that sets Santangelo’s ceramics apart in the world of collectible design.
Oversized Details as Visual Provocation
The oversized circular elements in his pieces are not just decorative; rather, they are purposeful. For example, whether acting as handles, frames, or purely sculptural additions, each bold ceramic detail challenges spatial expectations. In particular, works like Tetra or Synergy CF-5 illustrate this concept, as the rings disrupt the object’s silhouette, thereby transforming a simple form into a dynamic, eye-catching sculpture.
Moreover, this approach gives his ceramics a pop-sculptural quality. Consequently, the outsized elements invite interaction, stimulate curiosity, and blur the line between function and form. Ultimately, they are not just pots or pitchers; rather, they are contemporary art objects for the modern home.
Vivid Colors and Glossy Finishes
Santangelo’s use of color further emphasizes the geometry of each piece. His palette is vivid and often saturated, alternating between glossy and matte finishes. The strategic use of solid color blocks enhances contrast and helps define the architectural clarity of each form.
This color treatment doesn’t just decorate the surface—it amplifies the structural rhythm and makes the geometry even more expressive.
Craftsmanship and Creative Precision
Each object is handmade using slip-casting techniques combined with meticulous hand-assembled elements. The oversized rings are produced separately and attached using barbotine (liquid clay), followed by a two-step firing process that ensures both durability and chromatic brilliance.
This artisanal approach reinforces Santangelo’s philosophy: each ceramic piece is a one-of-a-kind design object that reflects slow production, attention to detail, and creative integrity.
Where Art Meets Functionality
Paolo Santangelo’s creations exist on the fine line between functional design and sculptural art. Whether vases, pitchers, tableware, or candle holders, his works reinterpret sculptural lines. Oversized shapes, vibrant colors, and perfect geometry come together to elevate the everyday into something extraordinary.
His work invites us to slow down, observe, and bring artistic awareness into the rituals of daily life.
With his unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship, geometric abstraction, and oversized ceramic features, Paolo Santangelo redefines the language of modern ceramics. Each of his creations is more than an object—it’s a visual dialogue between space, form, and function.
In a design world saturated with trends, Santangelo offers something truly timeless: a return to essential forms expressed with boldness, wit, and poetic precision.
