Michelangelo Pistoletto on the Future, Mirror Paintings, and Cittadellarte
In a recent interview, Michelangelo Pistoletto, who was born in 1933 in Biella, elaborates on his journey with mirror paintings that commenced in 1961 with black canvases. By 1962, these works transformed into reflective surfaces featuring fixed images. Drawing inspiration from Piero della Francesca's Flagellation of Christ, he examines perspective through the lenses of Mondrian and Fontana, positioning his mirrors as gateways where the 'hole' penetrates the reflection. He contrasts his methods with those of Pollock and Burri, underlining the mirror's function to depict only what lies before it. Pistoletto emphasizes the importance of Cittadellarte in Biella for fostering ecology and sustainability, urging artists to embrace change and invest in cultural, economic, and socio-political solutions to global challenges.
Key facts
- Michelangelo Pistoletto was born in Biella in 1933.
- He began his mirror paintings in 1961 with black canvases.
- In 1962, he created reflective surfaces with fixed images.
- He cites Piero della Francesca's Flagellation of Christ as a key influence.
- His mirror works produce a reversed perspective.
- Cittadellarte is his foundation in Biella.
- He advocates for investment in cultural, economic, and socio-political realms.
- He views humanity and nature as a single body.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
- Piero della Francesca
- Mondrian
- Lucio Fontana
- Jackson Pollock
- Alberto Burri
Institutions
- Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto
- Musée du Louvre
- Artribune
- Spazio Taverna
Locations
- Biella
- Italy