![Pier Paolo Calzolari, Trenini [grande carta], 1972, paper glued on wood, wax pastel, oil pastel, tempera, iron, tracks, electric wire, feather, transformer, 150 x 232 x 15 cm, © Pier Paolo Calzolari, Photo: Paolo Semprucci, Courtesy Fondazione Calzolari.](/images/thumbs/cw-5213-660x375.jpg)
Born in Bologna, Italy, in 1943, artist Pier Paolo Calzolari has risen to become one of Italy’s most prominent contemporary artists. His career stretches the post-war period, and, since he is based in Fossombrone, Italy, this will be his first exhibition in the UK since the acclaimed art show in London in 2001 at Tate Modern, Zero to Infinity: Arte Povera 1962 – 1972.
What is Arte Povera?
Arte Povera was a radical Italian avant-garde arts group that questioned the boundaries of ‘High Art’. As the name ‘poor art’ suggests, the group was interested in subverting the expensive materials and rarefied auras of oil painting or bronze sculpture by using banal materials like soil, rags and twigs. The group had its heyday in the late 1960s and early 70s, and enjoyed significant practical and critical legacies especially within the framework of Conceptual Art.
Ronchini Gallery, London exhibition
Two things stand out about this new exhibition in London: Calzolari flies the flag for one of Europe’s most interesting modern art contingents and unlike other contemporary artists, Calzolari did not dismiss the past after the ravages of the World Wars. Look out for references to Renaissance painting and the Romantic movement in his work.
Expect signature Arte Povera ephemeral materials, this time with a strong emphasis on the earthy and elemental: frost, fire, salt, lead, copper and eggs make up these sculptural installations. There are also drawings and studies that transcend the conventional confines of ‘Conceptual’ or ‘Minimalist’ art, making clear this is one artist who uses movements, and doesn’t let movements use him.
This is challenging stuff, but could be one of the most rewarding contemporary gallery shows this spring.
What is Arte Povera?
Arte Povera was a radical Italian avant-garde arts group that questioned the boundaries of ‘High Art’. As the name ‘poor art’ suggests, the group was interested in subverting the expensive materials and rarefied auras of oil painting or bronze sculpture by using banal materials like soil, rags and twigs. The group had its heyday in the late 1960s and early 70s, and enjoyed significant practical and critical legacies especially within the framework of Conceptual Art.
Ronchini Gallery, London exhibition
Two things stand out about this new exhibition in London: Calzolari flies the flag for one of Europe’s most interesting modern art contingents and unlike other contemporary artists, Calzolari did not dismiss the past after the ravages of the World Wars. Look out for references to Renaissance painting and the Romantic movement in his work.
Expect signature Arte Povera ephemeral materials, this time with a strong emphasis on the earthy and elemental: frost, fire, salt, lead, copper and eggs make up these sculptural installations. There are also drawings and studies that transcend the conventional confines of ‘Conceptual’ or ‘Minimalist’ art, making clear this is one artist who uses movements, and doesn’t let movements use him.
This is challenging stuff, but could be one of the most rewarding contemporary gallery shows this spring.
| What | Pier Paolo Calzolari, Ronchini Gallery |
| Where | Ronchini Gallery, 22 Dering St, London , W1S 1AN | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Oxford Circus (underground) |
| When |
23 Jan 15 – 07 Mar 15, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Price | £Free |
| Website | Click here for more information |
