Exhibition reveals what's new in Italian art
By Rina Rao
JAKARTA (JP): "Young Italian Artists," an exhibition sponsored by the Italian Embassy at the World Trade Center on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta, is a comprehensive snapshot of what is new in Italian art.
There are several categories of graphic arts and the pure arts, the result being quite a mixed bag. Most of the works are small in size; therefore, smaller rooms for each category and plain white walls and floors would have further enhanced the show.
The real joy in viewing the exhibit which ends today, however, comes from the paintings and sculptures. Abstraction and the essence of reality reaches a high level of sophistication and finesse.
Sensa Titolo by Annalisa Bassi, done in mixed technique including the use of sugar and ink, is a delight and very innovative. Franco Chiarelli's pedestals mark a change from subjective, fluidly abstract art to a revised association with the environment.
Japanese cards N.5 by Marcello Darbo uses the monotype technique on Japanese paper, applied on cloth. It is full of movement and energy and, at the same time, the technique gives it delicacy.
Giovanni Manfredini's Sguardo muto, using multimedia on wood, produces a semi-optical effect. It is refreshing and elegant. Alberta Pellacani's Senza titolo, using extruded polystyrene and plain blue, is a soothing work, inviting contemplation.
Massimo Rossi has two lovely paintings in mixed technique with opaque colors and geometric shapes. They demonstrate balance and remind one of post-painterly abstraction. Rossi's shapes are free, passive, unanchored, floating. Linda Russo-Ida's Perfil using inked film is simple, striking and sophisticated.
The most refreshing pieces are the sculptures. A variety of styles and experimentation with materials livens up this section. Antonio Alborino uses interesting low-relief wood for his work, while Maurizio Barbarich uses painted plaster. His Perpetua Mutazione is deliberately without a specific shape to demonstrate constant change and movement, a continuous evolution.
Mirella Barnarich's Lettera a Carlo Miichelstaedter, in copper, iron and paint, shows the sculptor's ease working in metal with skill and subtlety. The adaptability to formal conception is smooth and docile.
Very creative
Perhaps the most striking and interesting piece in this category is Antonella Bersani's Asteriode. Using a mixed media consisting of plaster, metal and copper, the sculptor creates a cosmic piece full of energy and dynamism. It reminds one of the works of De Giorgi or Edgardo Manucci and is very creative and alive.
Cotogno's Figura compressa, though not unique, is well executed using wood and steel cables. Andrea Pozzato's Naufragio in clay on paper is quite riveting, while Gabriella Soavi's Il Cavaliere dal cuore d'oro is almost lyrical in its conception, merging iron, resin, glass and copper to create harmony.
Gianendra Villa's Pietra al crocevia is another example of poetry in sandstone and iron. Beautifully conceived and delicately executed it is elevating to the senses.
The photography category has contributors from Milan, Venice, Bologna, Modena and Torino. The black-and-white works are quite evocative and pleasant, though not very avant-garde or intellectual. Color and form is well used in some of the pieces. La luce by Michael Andreas Spengler uses space and light quite adeptly.
The graphic arts section consists of cartoons and comic strips done by artists from Milan, Venice and Ferrara. The pieces are lively and animated and represents quite a cross section of work in the field.
These young artists come from a wonderfully rich heritage in art. It is gratifying to see that they are neither competing with their heritage nor shackled by it, but seeking a new expression.