Bertrand Castelli, a visionary polymath, emerged into the world on December 3, 1929, in the charming town of Salon-de-Provence, France, where his family's Corsican heritage had a profound influence on his artistic trajectory.
Castelli's formative years were significantly shaped by his experiences during the tumultuous period of World War II, where he initially gained exposure to the world of entertainment by operating a projector at a cinema, thereby sparking an early fascination with the arts. As a creative outlet, he began to explore various artistic mediums, including painting, writing, and performing, which ultimately served as a catalyst for his future endeavors.
In his teenage years, Castelli's curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit led him to embark on an extraordinary journey, touring Germany at the tender age of 17. During this time, he had the opportunity to work as a lighting technician for a small circus, where he honed his skills and developed innovative lighting techniques that would later become a hallmark of his work.
Following the war, Castelli embarked on a professional artistic journey in France, where he initially gained experience working for prominent ballet and opera companies in the City of Light, Paris. As his career progressed, he expanded his creative horizons by transitioning from lighting design to playwriting, screenwriting, and ultimately, directing. His innovative concept for a ballet, aptly titled "Le colleur d'affiches," garnered significant attention from major entities such as Perrier, Cartier, Christian Dior, and Cointreau, who subsequently provided financial backing for the production.
As a result of his remarkable success with the groundbreaking art piece "Les Algues", Castelli's reputation within the artistic community began to flourish, allowing him to form connections with a plethora of influential figures, including the renowned Pablo Picasso, the celebrated mime and actor Marcel Marceau, and the acclaimed poet and playwright Jean Cocteau.
A renowned figure in the world of entertainment, Castelli's illustrious career was marked by his involvement in a diverse array of productions that captivated audiences worldwide. One of his most notable accomplishments was his pivotal role in bringing the iconic musical "Hair" to the bright lights of Broadway, introducing it to a global audience and cementing its place in the annals of popular culture.
As the years went by, the renowned artist, Castelli, embarked on a new and exciting chapter in his illustrious career, taking on the esteemed role of artist in residence at the luxurious Belmond Maroma resort in Mexico.
Within the walls of this picturesque retreat, Castelli brought his remarkable talents to the forefront, meticulously crafting original paintings for every single room in the resort.
