THE GOLD OF THE EARTH
100 ARTWORKS OF THE ABSTRACT PERIOD
Solo Retrospective Exhibition
Curated by Massimo Mussini
Cloisters of San Domenico - Reggio Emilia
11 February – 5 March 2017
Curator: Prof. Massimo Mussini
Museum setting up: Arch. Francesco Lenzini
In collaboration with: Comune di Reggio Emilia
Opening: 11 February from 18.00
Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 15.00 – 20.00, Sunday: 10.00 – 20.00, Monday: closed.
Free entrance
Chiostri di San Domenico - Via Dante Alighieri, 11, 42100 Reggio Emilia
THE GOLD OF THE EARTH
Massimo Mussini
Enrico Magnani's artistic personality embodies a tension between two conceptual models: the scientific rationality cultivated through his studies in nuclear physics, and the imaginative irrationality of contemporary figurative art. This duality has given rise to a painting style where the automatic gestures of informal, material abstraction appear dominant. Yet in his works, the irrational impulses guiding the artist's hand in informal painting coexist with a deliberate analytical approach - one that examines complex themes inherited from Western and Eastern mythic traditions to reveal their underlying thematic unity, following the psychological studies of Carl Gustav Jung.
Magnani gradually arrived at this synthesis by first exploring the symbolic value of signs and colors in Western cultural tradition, initially investigating the rich allegorical repositories of mythology and astrology.
The myth of alchemy became his next passageway, ultimately leading him to Eastern philosophies. From this intricate web of knowledge emerged pictorial cycles like Archetypes, Ouroboros, Opus, and I Ching, developed over the last decade of his practice.
The exhibition, divided into two sections, traces the chronological development of his research through preparatory studies and sketches for various painting cycles. The finished works themselves are presented through thematic analogies, revealing the complex interplay between art and pre-modern scientific knowledge.
INSPIRATIONS | A 4-Part Thematic Event Series
During the exhibition period, we present "Inspirations: In Search of Our Inner Gold" – a series of encounters moderated by Luca Ferri (Life, Corporate & Executive Coach). Four special guests will guide the audience in exploring how the four elements can illuminate our quest for personal growth. Earth, Water, Air and Fire – which deeply permeate Magnani's artworks – will serve as conduits for participants to discover inspiration and harmony in their personal journeys.
Schedule:
Earth with Lucia Donadio (Actress)
Thursday, February 16, 2017 | 6:30-7:30 PM
Air with Marco Pozzi (Film Director)
Sunday, February 19, 2017 | 5:00-6:00 PM
Fire with Enrico Magnani (Artist)
Thursday, February 23, 2017 | 6:30-7:30 PM
Water with Vito Garofalo (Clown & Painter)
Sunday, February 26, 2017 | 5:00-6:00 PM
Free admission. No reservation required.
In Collaboration with: Comune di Reggio Emilia
Main Sponsor: Studio Legale LIF - Lenzini, Iotti, Fontana
Sponsor: Fineco Bank, Kaiti Expansion, Rewind
Technical Sponsor: Cantina Puianello, Iodiopuro, La Zincotipia
Media partner: Italia Arte, Reggionline, Telereggio
