Matteo Baroni    8. Okt - 19. Okt 2012

By carefully cutting, modelling and welding together scrap iron and copper pieces, Matteo Baroni embraces the concept of "upcycling", or adding value to discarded material. He believes this can be achieved exclusively through the sensitivity of the human hand, which he considers the only available technology capable of putting life back into discarded matter. In this exhibition, Matteo presents three series of sculptures focused on different aspects of the human condition. The group of acrobats - some balancing in unstable positions - is a metaphor for humanity, which remains impassive even when on the brink of a precipice. Their serene facial expressions underline the contrast between their precious and fragile nature that hangs by a thread and their apparent calmness induced by the ignorance of danger. The idiocamera figures were born whilst the artist was having breakfast and reading a newspaper. He was shocked to find out how little information we actually (allow ourselves to) take in. By doing so many things at the same time such as reading or watching the television newscast, we have become accustomed to recording events without really processing them. Finally, the models portrayed in the last group are a tribute to the work of Canadian photographer and artist Edward Burtynsky. In his catalogue Oil, the beautifully composed images document the rather disconcerting effects that the extraction and use of oil are having on our lives. Matteo Baroni is similarly convinced that beauty is an effective way for an artist to convey a message and he was inspired to add depth to the two-dimensional images by choosing to bring to life some of their characters.

8th – 19th October 2012

Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm

At our gallery, 7-8 Mason’s Yard, Duke Street, St. James’s London SW1Y 6BU

+44 207 930 5347

www.jlbaroni.com

info@jlbaroni.com