Turi Simeti moved to Rome in 1958, where he met the painter Alberto Burri, whose abstract minimalist paintings became an influential catalyst in the development of Simeti’s own unique style. In 1965, Simeti was included in “ZERO Avantgarde,” a pivotal exhibition of works by young Italian artists. The exhibition was organized by designer Nanda Vigo and held in artist Lucio Fontana’s Milan studio. It proved to be a major moment in Simeti’s career and led to the artist’s participation in exhibitions throughout Europe. Simeti soon became known for his monochromatic, minimalist canvases that often feature oval motifs appearing to protrude from the canvas.