Reimagined Reality with Piero Gilardi
Examples of Gilardi's Tappeto-Natura, inspired by his childhood, and carved with the intention of portraying pure emotion
Gilardi Installation with vestitoMagazzino Italian Art
For Tappeto-Natura, Gilardi conveys a natural landscape through an artificial material like polyurethane foam; however, the power of these works is such that the artificiality of this same material seems to disappear in order to transform itself in pure emotion.
Cavoli (Cabbages)
When Piero Gilardi was just a few months old, his family moved from their home in Turin to a rental home in the countryside due to World War II. Images of the rustic environment of his childhood remained engrained in the artist’s subconscious.
Mais (Corn)
Mais speaks of the work in the countryside: corn on the cob, grain, and raking.
Girasoli caduti (Sunflowers)
Girasoli caduti evokes the image of a field after a storm, where the sunflowers that have fallen on the ground rise again with the arrival of the sun.
Artwork WallMagazzino Italian Art
Food as Symbols
One such example of Gilardi's use of symbols is Uva e mais, left, where the grapes recall wine. This is a symbol rich with significance, expressing the well-being and joy of living. Il passaggio del Minotauro, right, proposes a mythological figure, the Minotaur—half man and half bull. This figure corresponds to our psyche: half rational and half governed by emotions.
Mele cadute, left, depicts a ladder and recalls the labor in the countryside and orchard; however, at the same time, the ladder is an object full of meaning: it is the connection between earth and sky. Zucche, right, evokes the idea of fertility and abundance while, at the same time, they are the end of the old and the beginning of a new cycle of seasons.
D’autunno (In autumn)
Gilardi was interested in recreating the world around him, a reflection of nature, in his carpets. This work is one inspired by his upbringing, a theme in his work, featuring an autumnal composition with corn and purple turnips—vegetables traditionally used as side dishes.
Gilardi Installation, VestitoMagazzino Italian Art
Vestito-Natura Sassi and Vestito-Natura Betulle
Vestito-Natura, a polyurethane foam carpet that is intended to be worn, has multifaceted functions.The individual wears it and becomes part of nature – merging art and life. Both of these works from 1967 were presented by Gilardi at the Piper Club in Turin along with his carpets.
Mariscos (Seafood)
Mariscos is an homage to nature. Gilardi observed nature, giving form to the polyurethane foam: he rough-hewed it, colored it, and composed the scene, articulating the enchantment of nature through an artificial material.
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