How Paolo Ghilardi Transformed Art and Architecture in the 1980s
Ghilardi's use of shape, color, and medium were innovative, 'radical', and sometimes controversial
Color and space in their infinite potential and combinations give shape to the expressive universe of Ghilardi.
Ghilardi's attention over the years moves towards a "radical" use of color following an investigation that brings it even beyond the environmental space - as happened with the Environments - that is related to the gallery space, to finally reach the social space of the city. In this continuous evolution, during the 80's and on behalf of the Municipality of Bergamo, Paolo Ghilardi takes care of the urban decor of the historic center, realizing considerable recoveries. This is also related to the role of consultant for the "color plan" of the city, an innovative activity for Italy that will continue for over 20 years until 2005.
During the 1980 he created the first monumental glass sculpture, entitled "ATMA". The artwork was linked to the project for the development of a public area of Stezzano, but it was perceived controversial for the modern conception of arts in the period.
Paolo Ghilardi - ATMA glass, Stezzano Cemetery (1980) by Paolo GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
During the 1988 he designed the redevelopment of Piazza Libertà, Piazzale della Chiesa and the Auditorium of the town of Stezzano (Bergamo), where Ghilardi lived.
Ghilardi’s attention was focused not only and not anymore on the simple art of painting, but he was interested in the relations and visual perceptions of the color. The color was correlated with the environment and it was seen by Ghilardi as something that interacts with the outside world, with the buildings and the life of the city itself, not only related with the inside of a room.
During the 1980s, on behalf of the municipality of Bergamo, he took care of the urban decoration of the old town, creating remarkable recoveries. He is also entrusted with the role of consultant for the "color plan" of the city. In 1988 he planned the redevelopment of Piazza Liberta, the forecourt of the Church and the Auditorium of the municipality of Stezzano, where Ghilardi resides.
industrial building decoration (1999) by Paul GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
Paolo Ghilardi - industrial building decoration, Bergamo (1997) by Paolo GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
Paolo Ghilardi,square pallazzo Gold medal, bergamo (1999) by Paolo GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
In the 90's he made some artistic experiments: by assembling iron, plexiglass and fabric he created an original redefinition of the boundaries between painting and sculpture. This is particularly evident in the series of wall sculptures that Ghilardi created with the use of various materials, never denying the geometric shapes and the use of colors.
Paolo Ghilardi - FE / PLX 5, iron and plexiglas (1993) by Paolo GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
Paolo Ghilardi - iron, blown glass (1994) by Paolo GhiliardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
Paolo Ghilardi - FE / PLX3, iron and plexiglas (1992) by Paolo GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
Paolo Ghilardi - FE / PLX / TST 12, iron and plexiglas and fabric (1995) by Paolo GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
The last few years of the artist's life were dedicated to the practice of papier coupé and collage under plexiglas. Mainly, this technique was used by Ghilardi in order to create medium and small artworks.
Collage in paper + pencil and plexiglas (1999) by Paul GhilardiArchivio Paolo Ghilardi
