Mica Bowman and Massimiliano. Photograph by Richard Young
Bowman Sculpture Gallery in Mayfair presented the first UK solo exhibition of contemporary Italian sculptor Massimiliano Pelletti in London, with an opening during Frieze Week.
The gallery also participated in Frieze Masters 2023 in Regents Park, where their stand featured important works from the 18th century to the present day including works by Auguste Rodin, an artist the gallery specialises in, Pietro Calvi, Camile Claudel, Henry Moore and Emily Young.
Bowman Sculpture director Mica Bowman recently signed Massimiliano Pelletti for exclusive representation in the UK. ‘Eredità’ at Bowman Sculpture gallery featured sculptures inspired by iconic sculptures of Greek and Roman antiquity, given a contemporary twist by Pelletti.
Pelletti has exhibited to critical acclaim in Italy, including an exhibition with Italian Renaissance Sculptor Canova (December 2021 to April 2022). Pelletti is the second contemporary sculptor Mica Bowman has signed to Bowman Sculpture since she joined as a director in 2019.
‘Eredità’ preceded an exhibition at the distinguished museum Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Rome, where Pelletti’s work will be exhibited alongside that of artistic giants such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. This juxtaposition of contemporary with old masters is a unique endeavour for the Doria Pamphilj and this will be the first time that the museum has allowed a contemporary artist to be shown alongside the old masters in residence which truly highlights the calibre and importance of Massimiliano as an artist.
“Eredità’ is a captivating solo exhibition by Italian artist Massimiliano Pelletti, featuring contemporary sculptures carved from exotic stones sourced from around the world that emulate antique models. Pelletti deliberately incorporates visible flaws, cracks, and fissures inherent in the material into his sculptures, inviting viewers to contemplate mankind’s relationship with the past and question the idealisation of past cultures. The classically ideal body was established in Classical Greek sculpture of the 5th Century B.C., and while Pelletti draws influence from Greek and Roman sculpture of antiquity, he emphasises flaws and imperfections to subvert the classical ideal. Through his meticulous craftsmanship and thought-provoking compositions, Pelletti unveils a nuanced exploration of time, imperfection, and our collective fascination with bygone eras.”
Mica Bowman
Massimiliano Pelletti installation view. Courtesy Bowman Sculpture
Massimiliano Pelletti (Born. 1975) studied at the Stagio Stagi Art School in Pietrasanta, going on to graduate from the University of Pisa with a degree in Philosophy. He began a career as an artist in 2006, getting off to a flying start by winning the 12th edition of the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean, which led to high profile exhibitions in Italy and abroad, including the Alexandria Biennale in Egypt and the 54th Venice Biennale as part of the Italian Pavilion, curated by Vittorio Sgarbi.
‘Eredità’ was curated by Mica Bowman, whose exhibition recent all women show ‘The Power of She’ (co-curated with Marie-Claudine Llamas of Guerin Projects) received a warm reception in the spring and was featured in Forbes as an ‘Essential Highlight of International Women Artists’ Art Week’ and by the Evening Standard as a highlight of London Gallery Weekend. Mica Bowman is introducing a new generation of gifted sculptors to Bowman Sculpture and will present the unique sculpture of Massimiliano during Frieze Week in London.
Massimiliano Pelletti ‘Eredità’, 11th October to 10th November 2023 at Bowman Sculpture, 6 Duke Street, St. James’s, London: https://bowmansculpture.com