Michelangelo Pistoletto’s latest exhibition, ‘To Step Beyond,’ showcases his continued exploration of the Arte Povera movement’s core principles. This Italian artist’s innovative spirit and ability to transcend time have captivated audiences worldwide with his signature mirror paintings.
The Enduring Relevance of Michelangelo Pistoletto’s Art
The Italian artist’s latest exhibition, “To Step Beyond,” showcases his continued exploration of the Arte Povera movement’s core principles.
A Legacy of Innovation and Experimentation
As one of the founding figures of Arte Povera, Michelangelo Pistoletto has been a driving force in shaping the movement’s radical approach to art. With a practice that has remained fiercely loyal to its origins while continuously evolving, Pistoletto’s work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Mirror Paintings: A Universal Reflection
Pistoletto’s signature mirror paintings are a testament to his innovative spirit and ability to transcend time. Conceived in 1962, these works introduce pictorial figures onto reflective surfaces, creating an ever-changing interaction between the art object and the viewer. By embracing reality as it is – unfiltered, shifting, and alive – Pistoletto’s mirrors reveal the world, the viewer, and the space within and beyond them.
A Call to Reconsider Human Existence
Pistoletto’s mirror paintings are not just aesthetically striking; they are also an urgent call to reconsider how we live together. As he explained in an interview, “Arte Povera is radicality. It’s poor in the sense of basic and basilar. Just like a seed in the earth. Arte Povera is rooted in existence.” His works tap into existential questions and are informed by specific political aims, making them ideological battlegrounds that challenge viewers to question their place within the world.
From Pop to Minimalism: Pistoletto’s Ongoing Exploration
In his latest exhibition, Pistoletto revisits his early work with a series of multimedia mirror paintings that combine Arte Povera’s essentialism and Pop’s commentary on consumer culture. Works like “Danger” (2024) suspend a tree trunk over a mirror, staging a negotiation between nature and human intervention, while “Tunnel” (2024) presents a sleek structure that recalls his early anti-functional objects.
A.I., Technology, and the Future of Art
At 91, Pistoletto remains at the forefront of innovation, embracing the intersection of human intelligence and technology. His new series of QR-coded mirror paintings introduces an interactive dimension to his work, linking physical objects to digital content and complicating the relationship between painting, representation, and reality.
Terzo Paradiso: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Pistoletto’s long-running social and environmental initiatives, including “Terzo Paradiso” (Third Paradise) and “Formula della Creazione” (Formula for Creation), aim to promote harmony and balance within the world. By recognizing the intricate web of interconnections that underpin existence, Pistoletto envisions a future where art serves as a catalyst for societal transformation.
A Platform for Social Change
The exhibition at Lévy Gorvy Dayan in New York is a testament to Pistoletto’s ability to turn his ideas into lived experience. His headquarters of “Terzo Paradiso” in Biella, Italy, has evolved into a dynamic community that brings together artists, architects, researchers, and institutions working towards social transformation.
A Call to Action
In an era marked by climate crisis, geopolitical upheaval, and unsustainable economic systems, Pistoletto’s Arte Povera masterpieces feel more contemporary than ever. This exhibition makes clear that his entire practice has always been about confronting the tension between human artifice and nature, questioning how and why matter – both material and conceptual – matters.
The “Michelangelo Pistoletto: To Step Beyond” exhibition is on view at Lévy Gorvy Dayan in New York through March 29, 2025.
