MIART 2024

The interspace between the visible and the tactile

A project supported by Studio Arnaldo Pomodoro, Museo Hermann Nitsch, Jerry Zeniuk, Tomas Rajlich and Archivio Nanni Valentini. The interspace between the visible and the tactile sets out to explore the various innovative artistic movements that have shaped the contemporary art panorama through the works of five remarkable masters. This exhibition project is intended to show the development of modern art from abstraction to conceptualism by means of artists who represent different stages of this trajectory. It also offers viewers the opportunity to encounter the unique styles and philosophies of Arnaldo Pomodoro, Hermann Nitsch, Jerry Zeniuk, Tomas Rajlich and Nanni Valentini. On the outside walls, the stand will welcome the public with the impressive bronze sculptures of Arnoldo Pomodoro in close dialogue with the sacrality of gold of Tomas Rajlich. Here the iconic sculptures of Pomodoro that reflect the aesthetic of abstraction and minimalism will engage in dialogue with the Dutch-Czech painter Tomas Rajlich. The use of geometric forms and tactile materials by the Milanese master of sculpture Arnaldo Pomodoro will be explored to bring out the intersection between art and architecture in the movement of geometric abstraction, of which Rajlich was one of the founders with his intricate compositions and use of colour as a focal point. The works on display embody the principles of order and structure, offering viewers the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of simplicity. The primordial sign of Arnaldo Pomodoro will be represented by the imposing wall sculpture Papiro from 1985-86 (200 x 110 x 73 cm) and Tavola dei segni, 1960, IX from 1960. These works were also shown during the solo exhibition in ABC-ARTE, To Scratch, Draw, Write. Tomas Rajlich, whom ABC-ARTE has been proud to represent for some time, will be present with a large gold work, Untitled, from 1983 (170 x 170 cm), recently shown in the solo exhibition Golden Times in ABCARTE, and Untitled, 1969. The interior of the stand will juxtapose the totalising, visceral painting of Nitsch, the harmonious chromatic balance characteristic of the canvases of Zeniuk, and the wise sculptural force of Nanni Valentini. Zeniuk's vibrant and expressive paintings are at the centre of this section. His use of colour and form goes beyond the limits of abstract expressionism, inviting the viewers to experience the emotional and intuitive aspects of art in a conceptual mode. Valentini's conceptual art challenges the viewers to question the very nature of art. This section will present his installations and works that explore the limits of artistic expression, blurring the boundaries between art and reality. Moving away from abstraction, this section enters the world of action painting and performance of Hermann Nitsch. His visceral, ritualistic approach to art involves the spectator's senses and emotions, in sharp contrast with the works of the other artists. Jerry Zeniuk, to whom ABC-ARTE recently dedicated a major solo exhibition entitled How To Paint, will be represented by Untitled n° 65 from 1977 (160 x 152 cm) and by Untitled n° 356 from 2016 (160 x 160 cm).  The masterly achievement of Nanni Valentini will be represented by the impressive sculptural group L'Inno della Perla from 1983-84, and Deriva -Bocca from 1982-84, both works shown in the exhibition Nanni Valentini. Verso L'annunciazione in ABC-ARTE in Genoa. After the solo exhibition dedicated to Hermann Nitsch, Cathartic Aversion. Paintings, Actions, Relics and Musical Scores. 1962-2020, held with the support of the Museo Hermann Nitsch, ABCARTE continues its tribute to the Austrian master of Viennese Action Painting by showing the crucial work 50.aktion from 1975 (143 x 110,5 cm) and the two works of 18.malaktion from 1986 at miart. Catalogues of the series of exhibitions held in ABC-ARTE will be available from our stand. They include critical essays, interviews with the artists and high-quality reproductions of the works of art, both small works and multimedia presentations, to engage the visitors and enhance their appreciation of the show. We shall promote the show through various channels, including social media, art reviews and collaboration with the artistic institutions of the artists. In bringing together these diverse artists and their respective movements, The interspace between the visible and the tactile will offer a captivating and stimulating experience for visitors to miart, inviting them to explore the development of modern art and its long-term impact on today's contemporary scene.