Giuseppe Penone’s exhibition at the Serpentine showcases a unique fusion of nature and mythology, emphasised by the laurel leaves that fill the gallery. His arte povera-inspired works, primarily using trees, reflect his deep connection with the natural world and challenge traditional art forms. Through imaginative sculptures and charcoal drawings, Penone invites viewers to explore the vital relationship between humans and nature, offering a mystical and transformative experience.
Giuseppe Penone’s exhibition at the Serpentine presents a captivating merging of nature and mythology, highlighted by the aroma of laurel leaves adorning the space. The laurel tree, sacred to Apollo and tied to victory and the arts, sets the stage for Penone’s exploration of deep cultural significance while also allowing him to transcend traditional constraints since starting his career in 1968.
The arte povera movement, which Penone is associated with, embraces raw materials over cultural representation. His works in the exhibition demonstrate this philosophy beautifully, blending nature with human artistic expression. The exhibition features pieces primarily made from trees, highlighting Penone’s bond with the forests of Piedmont by showcasing a range of natural materials.
One standout piece, “Vegetal Gaze,” features a self-portrait with a potted sapling and a photographic plaque, suggesting a deep connection to nature, as if the forest perceives through his eyes. Penone asserts that human existence is intertwined with the vitality of nature.
A notable aspect of the exhibition is a gallery-length charcoal drawing, which evokes the power of ancient art forms. Using a technique of imprinting his skin onto adhesive tape, Penone intertwines bodily traces with his artistic vision, drawing viewers into a complex representation of life.
The hall, adorned with laurel leaves, houses sculptures that exemplify the cycle of rebirth in nature. One sculpture, “Breath of Leaves,” mirrors elements from Botticelli’s Primavera, showcasing the transformative nature of life and mythology through Penone’s avant-garde lens.
Penone also displays bronze sculptures of erotic figures among giant flower pots and sculptures of trees with exaggerated elements, such as stones in their branches. These play with perceptions of reality and nature’s whimsicality, encouraging the viewer to reflect on art and nature’s relationship.
Penone’s work invites viewers into a mystical realm where trees and humans intertwine, making for a profound experience that extends beyond his established reputation in modern art. This exhibition is an exploration of a continually revived green world, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Giuseppe Penone’s exhibition illuminates the dynamic intersection between nature and humanity. By employing arte povera principles, he creates works that speak to our intrinsic connection with the natural world. The engaging sculptures, charcoal drawings, and self-portraits invite viewers to rediscover their relationship with nature, making each piece both profound and thought-provoking. Penone’s visionary approach redefines artistic expression and its place within the mythological framework of existence.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com