Francesco Simeti on Rediscovering Ceramics Between Brooklyn and Montelupo
Francesco Simeti, an artist from Palermo born in 1968 and currently based in Brooklyn, has been incorporating ceramics into his installations for several years. Over the last year, he participated in the MateriaMontelupo project, curated by Matteo Zauli, working alongside Sergio Pilastri and Tuscany Art. Together with Pilastri, he reinterpreted decorative motifs from Montelupo, while collaborating with Luca Vanni, he utilized molds as structures, concentrating on drapery fragments. This collaboration resulted in the "Uncinata" series displayed at Museo Carlo Zauli in Faenza, showcasing sculptures made of black clay. Simeti's exploration of ceramics began as a reaction against wallpaper design, leading to "Swamp Floor" at Art Basel Miami in 2013. He now seeks to delve into high-temperature decoration and glazes, viewing "Uncinata" as a means to uphold ceramic traditions.
Key facts
- Francesco Simeti was born in Palermo in 1968 and lives in Brooklyn.
- He participated in the MateriaMontelupo project curated by Matteo Zauli.
- He collaborated with Sergio Pilastri (maiolica decoration) and Tuscany Art (Luca Vanni).
- With Pilastri, he deconstructed traditional Montelupo decorative motifs into asymmetrical collages.
- With Tuscany Art, he used plaster molds of classical sculpture fragments, especially drapery.
- His series 'Uncinata' is on view at Museo Carlo Zauli in Faenza.
- He started ceramics as an antidote to computer work, taking a night class.
- In 2013, Francesca Minini proposed ceramics for Art Basel Miami, leading to 'Swamp Floor'.
- He has used anagama wood-firing for unpredictable color and texture.
- He plans to explore high-temperature decoration and glazes.
- He aims to create large-scale ceramic works, possibly with artisan collaboration.
- 'Uncinata' combines thrown cylinders with modeled and mold-made leaves from local artisans.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Simeti
- Matteo Zauli
- Sergio Pilastri
- Luca Vanni
- Francesca Minini
- Irene Biolchini
Institutions
- MateriaMontelupo
- Sergio Pilastri
- Tuscany Art
- Museo Carlo Zauli
- Art Basel Miami
- University of Malta
- Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche in Faenza
- Artribune
Locations
- Palermo
- Brooklyn
- Montelupo
- Faenza
- Miami