An exhibition at Magazzino Italian Art in New York’s scenic Hudson River Valley showcases the ecological art of Piero Gilardi. Gilardi, a member of the radical Arte Povera movement in the 1960s, began creating a series of “nature carpets” in response to Rachel’s Carson’s Silent Spring. The goal was to create “aesthetic objects of practical use” reflecting an ideal nature recreated with artificial materials that bridge the gap between the natural and man-made.
“Gilardi: Tappeto-Natura” presents his famous creations, spread with fruit, vegetables, or animals carved from synthetic materials and brightly colored with synthetic pigments. These forms were then affixed to thick, textured rectangular rugs. Some undulate with dark blue waves under floating seabirds and others feature vibrant vegetables or flowers arranged across richly colored surfaces.
More information about the artist and exhibition is available on the museum’s website and their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter channels @magazzino.
Magazzino is a nonprofit museum and research center specializing in Italian art from the Arte Povera movement of the ’60s to the contemporary practices of today’s artists. Admission is free.
“Gilardi: Tappeto-Natura” runs through January 9, 2023 at Magazzino Italian Art, located at 2700 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY. +1 (845) 666-7202, info@magazzino.art
About Cold Springs
Cold Springs is nestled in the Hudson Highlands about an hour north of New York City. The town is a very popular destination for nature and art lovers with nearby hiking trails and streets lined with unique shops and restaurants.
