Alberto Burri, Mazzoleni London

Mazzoleni London brings a showcase of landmark works by Post-War Italian art master Alberto Burri to the UK. An undisputed icon of the 20th century, Burri’s distinct visual language and use of unconventional materials forged a new aesthetic that paved the way for younger generations. This large-scale exhibition demonstrates Mazzoleni’s commitment to Post-War Italian artists and coincides with a major retrospective of Burri’s work at The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, which celebrates the centenary of the artist’s birth. Spanning key stages of the artist’s career, the solo presentation unveils a selection of pieces from private collections, including the Mazzoleni family’s personal collection.

Having previously organised two exhibitions of Burri’s work in Turin (2003 and 2011), Mazzoleni now transports close to 30 works by the Italian artist to its gallery in London. Showcasing the diverse nature of Burri’s pioneering practice, the presentation moves from the artist’s early tactile collages including Nero Catrame (1951), Sacco e Rosso (1956) and Sacco Bianco e Nero (1956), to later works such as his cracked paintings Nero Cretto (1970) and his Cellotex works which bear witness to the artist’s evolving dedication to invention. Also on display are Burri’s Combustioni burnt wood, paper and plastic creations, including Nero Rosso Combustione (1964) and Bianco CN4 (1966).

An illustrated colour catalogue in English and Italian has been published especially for this exhibition. It includes an important essay written in 1963 by Cesare Brandi (1906-1988), photographs by Aurelio Amendola and an introduction by Vittorio Brandi Rubiu, who has curated many exhibitions of Post-War art.

Alberto Burri, until 30 November, Mazzoleni London, 27 Albemarle StreetLondon, W1S 4HZ.

For more, visit www.mazzoleniart.com.

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Credits
1. Alberto Burri, Nero AN2 , 1988, acrylic on pumice stone on cellotex applied on lexan, 150 x 200 cm.