Simplicity Rules: Pier Paolo Calzolari's 'Another', Paris

Like some of the best spots in Paris, the left bank's Galerie Kamel Mennour isn't exactly visible from the street. Visitors flooded through a picturesque courtyard entryway to the recent opening of Pier Paolo Calzolari's Another. The show features pieces from the Italian contemporary art master's career. In addition, a collection of Calzolari’s newer works inaugurated a new gallery space on rue du Pont de Lodi.

Pier Paolo Calzolari started his career in the 1960s, associating himself with the Italian Arte Povera movement. Arte Povera, which translates to poor art, makes use of simple messages and mundane materials in order to break down the barriers between art and everyday life. Calzolari is interested in the equal relationship between all beings—the distinct sense of balance and serenity present in his installations is hard to ignore. In works consisting of copper and lead, as well as wood and burning candles, the natural and industrial collide. The poetic sayings and trickling water lead to introspection (see #artselfie below).

As Calzolari’s pieces transformed the gallery space, it was hard not to draw parallels between his art and my impression of the City of Light thus far—horizontal and symmetrical for the most part, with a focus on the simple things.

Through October 26th, 2013

Galerie Kamel Mennour
47, rue Saint-André des arts
75006 Paris
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Galerie Kamel Mennour - New Space
6, rue du Pont de Lodi
75006 Paris
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