In a thought-provoking exhibition, Italian artist Arcangelo Sassolino transforms industrial detritus into meditations on tension and collapse, pushing the boundaries of time and presence.
At Galleria Continua, Italian artist Arcangelo Sassolino‘s latest work transforms industrial detritus into thought-provoking meditations on tension and collapse.
The Physics of Presence
For Sassolino, unpredictability is not a glitch, but a goal. Each piece holds the potential for transformation or collapse at any moment. This approach creates an sense of urgency, as if time itself is slipping away.
Sassolino‘s sculptures are more than just visual statements; they’re choreographies of instability and precision. The rotating steel discs in ‘The Constant Matter‘ series, coated in industrial oil that never dries, exemplify this concept. As the oil flows and changes shape, so too does the very fabric of the piece.
Tension and Vulnerability
Sassolino‘s work often explores the fragility of materials, pushing them to their limits. In pieces like ‘La Forma dell’Attesa‘ and ‘Impartial Silence,’ granite and glass are placed under stress, revealing a tension that feels almost theatrical.
This vulnerability is not metaphorical; it’s physical. The artist is driven by a desire to capture the fragility of contemporary society, but his work is not meant to illustrate this concept directly. Instead, it invites viewers to contemplate their own emotional response.
The Artist as Witness
Sassolino views himself as an antenna, picking up signals from the world around him. His art reflects this instability, often without conscious intention. He’s not trying to represent the world; he’s simply reflecting it back.
For Sassolino, the role of the artist is to shape the future by condensing the present into form. He sees his work as a way to push beyond tradition and find new solutions in today’s chaotic world.
The Power of Letting Go
In ‘Present Tense,’ Sassolino has had to release past ideas and open himself to new possibilities. This letting go is crucial for both artists and people in general, allowing us to move forward and face the future with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Exhibition
Sassolino‘s latest exhibition at Galleria Continua runs through August 31, 2025. To experience this thought-provoking body of work, visit the gallery and witness the fluid time and sculpting of the present for yourself.
Galleria Continua is a contemporary art gallery founded in 2004 by Massimo De Carlo, Donald Bryant, and Lorenzo Fiaschi.
With locations in San Gimignano, Italy, and Paris, France, the gallery showcases an impressive array of international artists, including Ai Weiwei, 'Marina Abramovic', and Cy Twombly.
Galleria Continua is known for its innovative approach to art exhibitions, often incorporating large-scale installations and site-specific projects.
The gallery has been recognized for its commitment to promoting contemporary art globally.
- observer.com | Arcangelo Sassolino On Fluid Time and Sculpting the Present
