Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Gianni Piacentino Biography
Gianni Piacentino, born in 1945 in Coazze, a small town in the Province of Turin, Italy, is a distinguished artist whose work spans across sculpture, painting, and installation art. His artistic journey is marked by a profound fascination with the aesthetics of speed, industrial design, and the sleek lines of vehicles, which has significantly influenced his creative output. Piacentino's work is a unique blend of Arte Povera and Minimalism, movements that have shaped the landscape of contemporary art.
Piacentino's early life in Coazze laid the foundation for his artistic exploration. In 1965, he enrolled at the University of Turin to study philosophy, a discipline that would later inform the conceptual depth of his art. During his university years, Piacentino also engaged in various jobs, including working as a disc jockey and part-time at a paint factory, where he was exposed to special paints. This experience with materials would become crucial in his later work as an artist.
In 1968, Piacentino made a significant decision to break away from the Arte Povera group, a movement he was briefly associated with. This departure marked the beginning of his journey towards developing a unique artistic language that combined elements of Pop Art, Minimalism, and a keen interest in mechanical and industrial aesthetics. Piacentino's fascination with vehicles, particularly motorcycles, automobiles, and planes, became a central theme in his work. He began creating sculptures and paintings that reflected the sleek designs and dynamic forms of these machines.
Piacentino's artistic practice involves the use of industrial materials and techniques to create sculptures with geometric shapes, often made in painted and varnished wood. These works are characterized by their meticulous craftsmanship and the artist's original painting technique, which highlights the beauty and precision of industrial design. One of his notable works includes a sculpture that resembles a simplified speed racer, featuring two gleaming wheels of nickel-plated steel joined to a triangular body, proudly sporting his initials "GP."
Throughout his career, Piacentino has exhibited his work extensively in both public spaces and private galleries across Europe and beyond. His exhibitions have been held at prestigious venues such as the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, the National Gallery in Berlin, and PS1 in New York, among others. In 1977, he was invited to participate in Documenta 6, and in 1993, he took part in the XLV Biennale of Venice. Piacentino's works are also part of the permanent collections of several renowned institutions, including the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Turin and the Reggio Emilia Museum.
In addition to his sculptures and paintings, Piacentino has also been involved in creating prototypes of two-and three-wheeled vehicles using industrial materials. This aspect of his work further underscores his interest in the intersection between art and technology, as well as his commitment to exploring the aesthetic possibilities of mechanical objects.
Piacentino's contribution to the art world has been recognized through various exhibitions and publications that celebrate his innovative approach to sculpture and painting. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between art, technology, and the aesthetics of speed. Gianni Piacentino remains a pivotal figure in contemporary art, whose legacy is defined by his ability to transcend traditional boundaries and create a distinctive visual language that resonates with the modern industrial aesthetic.
Gianni Piacentino Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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