Gabriele Simei's 'LABiblioteca Sottotevere' Exhibition at Fondazione VOLUME! in Rome

Gabriele Simei unveils 'LABiblioteca Sottotevere,' a solo exhibition at Fondazione VOLUME! located in Rome's Trastevere, under the curation of Silvano Manganaro. This showcase highlights metal sculptures resembling books, which incorporate natural impressions from leaves and textiles along with common objects. Born in 1967, Simei has been gathering book-like materials for over two decades from diverse places. His studio in Magliana serves as a muse for his plant-inspired artworks. He constructs books from materials such as concrete, tar, iron, wood, and glass, with textile patterns imprinted on the metal. The exhibition also features pieces previously displayed at the Complesso monumentale di San Michele during the 2024 European Heritage Days. Simei's artistic method yields unpredictable color outcomes through acidification, mainly involving iron and other metals.