Washington D.C., September 28, 2017 – An imposing installation by renown Italian artist Fabrizio Plessi was unveiled today before a large audience at the Embassy of Italy in Washington. It will be on display through October. The installation travelled from Rome where it was exhibited amongst the contemporary art pieces of the art collection of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Plessi is one of the most innovative and disruptive contemporary Italian artists of our time. He translates emotions and concepts to tactile and multi-sensory art. The imposing work of art placed at the center of our vast atrium perfectly complements our remarkable structure.” stated Ambassador to Italy Armando Varricchio. “I am very pleased to present this piece of contemporary art to our American friends because with Plessi technology meets poetry, cultural heritage meets future outlook, the prestige of Italian artisanry meets innovation – reflecting much of what Italy proudly stands for today”.
The artist explained the inspiration for his site-specific sculpture that brings to life an “Archaeology of the Future”. “The television monitors are none other than historical objects that emerge from the magma of the earth which convey to the viewer the knowledge of time, time past and time future, and that which we were and will be. In my artwork I always try to include something poetic which has a strong historic presence that rouses emotions.” The TVs, reproduced in terracotta and “aged” according to chromatic and material processes similar to the passage of time on terracotta amphorae, were handmade by his team of expert Italian artisans like in a fifteenth century workshop.
Fabrizio Plessi, born in 1940 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice, where he subsequently held a professorship in painting. One of Europe’s most influential artists, Plessi has worked in film and live performances, aside from sculpture and installations. Plessi has created numerous site-specific installations and has exhibited in major galleries and institutions internationally, including multiple participations in the Venice Biennale, and an exhibition project at the Guggenheim Museum SoHo in New York. Plessi’s most recent exhibit was a vast installation at the historic Teatro la Fenice in Venice, Italy, a unique multi-sensory presentation that encompassed both the stage and the orchestra section to an audience viewing from the surrounding balcony boxes.
All the photos of the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/italianembassy/albums/72157688932404986
All the photos of the installation: https://www.flickr.com/photos/italianembassy/albums/72157686713774160
The installation can be viewed by appointment only until October 13, 2017
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