Luciano Bartolini's 'Soffi' Exhibition Traces Journey from Early Works to Final Pieces

The exhibition 'Soffi' at Galleria Gentili in Florence presents works on wrapping paper by Luciano Bartolini (Fiesole, 1948 – Milan, 1994), exploring themes of travel, movement, and discovery that defined his life. The show traces his evolution from early works (1974–1976) to his final pieces (1991–1992), created before his premature death from AIDS. Early works are contrast masterpieces: on rough, resistant straw or fioretto paper supports, the artist used vinyl glue to fix the ephemeral consistency of Kleenex, allowing the unpredictable reaction of paper to express itself in a rigorous checkerboard arrangement. In his later works, paper remains the almost exclusive material. The canvases become filled with emotion and suggestions from his numerous travels to Nepal, North India, Delos, Santorini, and Crete. Greek myths, Tibetan prayer flags, and the simandron are elements that inspired him.