Born in Carrara, where he studied at the local Accademia di Belle Arti, Massari now lives and works between Carrara and Turin. He holds the Sculpture Chair at the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti in Turin, where he was previously director.
He began his artistic career in 1980 by winning the competition for the work Icarus Millenovecentottantaquattro in Trinidad and Tobago. Luciano Massari’s recent output springs from research with strong architectural overtones and environmental works, fostering a close dialogue between sculpture and poetry. Between 2002 and 2005, he explored the relationship between visual arts and words with Marco Nereo Rotelli, collaborating with figures like Mario Luzi, Alda Merini, and Fernanda Pivano.
In May 2004, he executed the permanent installation 7 Truths at Puna Pau on Easter Island, a profound experience that embodied the essence of sculptural practice. In 2005, he participated in the 51st Venice Biennale with the project Poetry Island. That same year, his work The Island of Identity entered the prestigious Gori Collection at Fattoria di Celle.
Massari continued to explore the theme of the “island” and introspection through the spectacular installation Arcipelaghi (2007) at Fortezza Firmafede and the solo show Impronte (2008). His environmental research led to the creation of Island within an Island for the Giardino di Daniel Spoerri Foundation and his participation in the 13th International Sculpture Biennale of Carrara.
In 2008, one of Massari’s video installations was presented at Grand Central Terminal in New York. A major milestone occurred in July 2009 with the large-scale installation To the Moon, sited in the Michelangelo quarries of Carrara: a site-specific work celebrating the moon landing while exploring sustainability and the link between art and nature.
His international presence continued with exhibitions at the Seoul Museum Hangaram Art Center (2011 and 2013) and the National Cinema Museum in Turin. His research has attracted eminent critics such as Bruno Corà and Francesco Poli, and has been featured in international documentaries by directors like Wang Xiaoshuai and broadcasters including France 3, RAI, and Space TV.