The work “ErmEstEtica HarlemHarlequin” (1996) by Luigi Ontani represents one of the most monumental and complex achievements of his sculptural production. The figure, in fact, takes the form of a contemporary herm, in which the artist’s face merges with multiple iconographic references. However, at the centre of the composition emerges the figure of Harlequin, reinterpreted through a learned and layered language. The body is covered with a polychrome geometric decoration, dominated by triangular modules that recall both the tradition of Faenza ceramics and the symbolism of the theatrical costume. Moreover, the reference to Harlem broadens the semantic field of the work, introducing a dialogue between cultures, identities and masks.
From a stylistic point of view, instead, the work fully reflects Ontani’s poetics, founded on the metamorphosis of identity, self-portraiture and the contamination between myth, art history and performativity. At the same time, the choice of ceramic underlines the artist’s constant relationship with craftsmanship of excellence, understood as a conceptual as well as formal instrument.
Therefore, ErmEstEtica HarlemHarlequin stands as a key work in Luigi Ontani’s artistic path during the 1990s, today considered a fundamental reference in his plastic and symbolic research.
Description: Polychrome ceramic made with Bottega Gatti – Faenza, in three parts, bearing the artist’s signature under the base, H cm 220, base diameter cm 54.
Notes: Work accompanied by a photograph showing the work together with the artist.
Publications: “Gigante3RazzEtà7ArtiCentAuro” edited by G. Maraniello, pp. 106 – 107 – 116 – 177; Pederzani & Pederzani, “Obiettivo Ontani”, pp. 92 – 93; “Luigi Ontani. OntanElegia” edited by A. Galasso, pp. 60-61; “Idea Aida del Vero Diffida. Opere di Luigi Ontani 1980-1995”, catalogue of the exhibition held at Galleria dello Scudo – Verona from 10 December 1995 to 11 February 1996, no. 50; “Ermestetiche”, catalogue of the exhibition held in 1997, no. 14; “Luigi Ontani. SanLuCastoMalinIconicoAttoniTonicoEstaEstEtico”, catalogue of the exhibition held at the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca – Rome, from 17 May to 25 November 2017, p. 206; “Luigi Ontani. Sacro Fauno Profunny a Fano”, catalogue of the exhibition held in Fano from 21 June to 3 August 1998.
Expositions: Venice 1995, “Sala Ontani”, p. 41, no. 10; “Idea Aida del Vero Diffida”, Galleria dello Scudo – Verona, 10/12/1995 – 11/02/1996; “Ermestetiche”, 1997, curated by the Circolo degli Artisti (Galleria Speroni Westwater – New York, Galleria Mille Eventi – Milan, Palazzo delle Esposizioni – Faenza); Installation at the Portico of the Frankfurter Kunstverein – Frankfurt, 1996; “Luigi Ontani”, Galleria Civica di Arte Contemporanea – Trento 26/10/1996 – 26/01/1997; Villa Stuck – Munich, 1995 – 1996; “Luigi Ontani. SanLuCastoMalinIconicoAttoniTonicoEstaEstEtico”, Accademia Nazionale di San Luca – Rome, 17/05/2017 – 25/11/2017; “Luigi Ontani. Sacro Fauno Profunny a Fano” – Fano, 21/06/1998 – 03/08/1998.
Hammer Price: € 65.000,00
Auction 63 – 17 April 2023 – PRIVATE COLLECTIONS CONTEMPORARY ART
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