Francisco Copello Norero: Famous as a printmaker, painter, master printer, choreographer and mime, Francisco Copello is one of Chile's most renowned artists and performers. He studied painting and graphic art at the Academia di Belli Arti, Florence, Italy, from 1962 to 1966. Shortly thereafter he left for New York to complete his printmaking studies at the Pratt Graphic Center under Roberto Delamonica, Luis Camnitzer. In 1969, with the help of his friend and fellow artist, Fernando Torm-Toha, Francisco Copello founded the alternative New York Art workshop, 'Studio F.' / 'Taller 69', at 155 Chambers Street. There, they experimented with printmaking, collage, modern music and body-art until 1972. All of Copello's original prints from this time were printed and published at this famous New York Art workshop. As a master printer, Francisco Copello printed original graphics for such famous artists as Sandro Chia, Rainer Fetting, Adolph Gottlieb, David Hockney, Keith Haring, Paul Jenkins and Rachel Friedberg and others. This artist can also be found listed as the Chilean visual and graphic artist, Frank Copello.
In 1971 and 1972, Francisco Copello also pursued his career in theatre. At the same time his graphic art was the subject of exhibitions in Washington, New York and Mexico City. Amongst many of his awards, he also received a grant from the New York Arts Council and was awarded the Nicolaus Copernicus prize.
In 1974, Francisco Copello returned to live in Italy. There he became a leading influence upon avant-guarde art and visual performances. In 1986, he accepted a founding role in the formation of the American Mime Theatre of New York (under the direction of Paul Curtis), and remained with the Company until 1995. In 1996 Francisco Copello returned to live and work in his native Santiago where he worked at the Faculties of both Visual Arts and Theatre at the University of Chile. The master printer, graphic artist, painter and performer, Francisco Copello Norero died in Santiago Chile in 2006.