The Bertrand Delacroix Gallery in Chelsea is presenting a collection of work by Matteo Pugliese for the show Breath of Freedom. For his first solo show in the United States, the Italian sculptor unveils several of his signature large-scale bronze sculptures of muscular men, bronze and terracotta warriors, and small animals.
Pugliese conveys notions of strength, power, and tension through his subjects. For instance, several of his sculptures which he refers to as “Extra Moenia” (a Latin phrase meaning “outside the walls”) illustrate the body parts such as the heads, arms, and legs of men emerging from the gallery walls. These men are pushing through the walls with all of their strength to represent the idea that one can break free from constraints. They might face challenges in life or endure some of the worst hardships imaginable, but with strength and perseverance, they will be able to come out the other side much stronger than they were before. Once they’ve broken through the walls, there’s opportunity for starting a new life with newly acquired wisdom and thicker skin.
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| Kyria (2014) by Matteo Pugliese |
Pugliese’s series of sculptures known as The Guardians depict brave warriors dressed in heavy metal combat gear proudly holding weapons such as pitchforks and spears. They stand tall with astute expressions and with pride in their eyes that comes with gaining knowledge and experience.
Pugliese was born in Milan and spent his childhood in Sardinia, where he developed a passion for drawing and sculpting.
In 2001, he organized his first solo exhibition in Milan, with two more solo shows following shortly afterward. Today, his works are on display in major cities around the world, including New York City, Rome, Hong Kong, London, Brussels, Lugano, and Antwerp. In 2014, Pugliese was selected to create an installation at Caffe Florian, Italy’s oldest café located in the Piazza San Marco in Venice. He currently splits his time between Milan and Barcelona.
At the Bertrand Delacroix Gallery, 535 W. 25th St., through Dec. 4. The gallery is open Tue.—Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
