Mario Merz. Terra elevata o la storia del disegno

15 maggio 1990 - 29 settembre 1990

Curated by Rudi Fuchs, Johannes Gachnang and Cristina Mundici

A major figure in the Arte Povera movement, Mario Merz (Milan, Italy, 1925–2003) invented his own unique mode of artistic expression through which he explored the laws that govern the natural world and the relationship between individual, nature and society. Merz viewed artists as nomads endlessly capable of releasing new bursts of creative energy in every context.

His works, which are characterised by the use of a variety of mixed media from both man-made and natural sources, establish direct relationships with their surroundings and encourage social exchange. One example is the igloo, an essential, age-old form that recurs frequently in his art. He also examines the idea of the table, which constitutes the primary element of a possible “casa Fibonacci”, a habitable structure in constant evolution that the artist is (ideally) engaged in constructing.

This exhibition is completely dedicated to the theme of the table and provides a cross-section of the artist’s work from the 1970s onwards. Merz uses the table to explore the relationship between geometry and mathematics – another area of interest – creating forms that are unprecedented in the field of architecture. Merz’s table, represented by a portion of raised earth that becomes a graphic, sculptural element, always has a strong physical presence that testifies to a natural bond with the individual and his or her needs.

[M.B.]