Graziano Rey was born in Turin in 1953.
From a very young age, he immersed himself in art alongside his brother Francesco and the painter Lorenzo Alessandri, during the influential period of the “Soffitta Macabra”—an artistic movement characterized by dark, surreal imagery. He spent several years focusing on figurative painting, while simultaneously cultivating a career in music.
Between 1982 and 1987, Rey became known as the composer of television theme songs, including popular titles such as Buona Domenica, I Ragazzi della III C, La Giostra, and Ferragosto OK. He also collaborated as a songwriter with various Italian singers.
In 1991–1992, he won both the Rino Gaetano Prize and the Viareggio Prize as a singer-songwriter.
As a public figure, Rey appeared as a regular guest on the Maurizio Costanzo Show, and worked as an actor in Alberto Silvestri’s Candid Camera series. In 1993, he published the short story “3001 Spooky su Jork II”, released by Mancuso Editore, and also acted in the film “In camera mia” directed by Sergio Martino.
Later, he moved to the Tonga Islands, where he continued to dedicate himself fully to painting.
In more recent years, he took part in the 57th Venice Biennale, exhibiting at the Palazzo degli Armeni with a project themed around “Moloch.” This work was later presented in Palermo and Vicenza in 2017, marking a significant return to the international art scene.
Graziano Rey’s career reflects a versatile and creative spirit, moving fluidly between visual arts, music, literature, and performance—always guided by an intense personal vision and a passion for expression.
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