Arcangelo Sassolino on Collaboration, Oil Discs, and 2025 Exhibitions

In an interview at his Trissino studio, Arcangelo Sassolino discusses his recent oil disc works, collaborative practice, and upcoming exhibitions. His new series of oil discs began two years ago after a successful show in Vicenza. At the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, he exhibited an 8-meter diameter black oil disc referencing oil and Saudi culture. For the discs, he works with three chemical engineers to develop custom oils with specific viscosity to respond to centrifugal and gravitational forces. Sassolino emphasizes the importance of collaboration with engineers, technicians, and companies, citing Lino Dainese as an example of art-industry synergy. His studio, a former silk mill, is becoming RARE (Research Art Regeneration and Ecology), a residency and research center focused on ecology and sustainability, opening May 16 with the exhibition "Seta." Upcoming shows include a solo exhibition at Galleria Continua in San Gimignano (currently ongoing), a show at MONA in Tasmania opening June 6 featuring a new version of his molten steel installation from the Malta Pavilion at the 2022 Venice Biennale, and participation in Art Unlimited at Art Basel. He also continues his historical works involving hydraulic presses, clamps, and glass bottles supporting granite boulders.