Gianni Piacentino

The art of Gianni Piacentino (born 1945) represents a universe of perfection, calculation and concentration, one of geometrical and primary forms. Combining this sensibility with an appreciation of pop culture, Piacentino turned to the world of velocity and transportation including cars, motorcycles and planes, creating industrial-inspired sculptures that straddle the line between design and art.

This three-volume publication comprises more than 90 works, retracing the artist’s output in reverse chronological order, starting with his most recent works from 2015 and working backwards to those from 1965, when Piacentino veered between Pop art and minimalism but ultimately developed a practice that fit neither category. Featuring images of sketches and art works, text by Germano Celant, a conversation with the artist and a chronology of his exhibition history, this is a handsome introduction to the artist’s work.