Sculptures
There is a beautiful exhibition of work
by the 18th century sculptor Canova on at the moment. Five of his
velvety marble works are displayed in the sumptuous Palazzo Reale with a number
of other similar statues by lesser known artists. However if you fancy something
a bit more up to date there is a great deal of modern sculpture around Milan
which is worth investigating.
The 1960s and 70s saw a great deal of artistic activity in the city as the
industrial boom led to huge expansion and the development of new spaces. As
industrial production became the most dominant feature in the landscape, the art
of manufacturing and design influenced the work of many ambitious new artists,
amongst them the dynamic and hugely successful Arnaldo Pomodoro (www.fondazionearnaldopomodoro.it.)
His most famous work is the gigantic disk that adorns the space in front of
Teatro Strehler. It looks like an enormous mill wheel set on its side, and it is
incised with hundreds of small geometric shapes which make the bronze glitter
and glow in the light. Love it or loathe it, it is an arresting sight.
You can spot Pomodoro pieces all around the city, for example in the gloomy Via
S. Maurilio. If you peep into the smartest of the apartment building lobby you
will see a vast wall bronze that looks like New York from the air, glistening in
the cave-like interior.
The Pomodoro Foundation (MM S. Agostino) is a marvellous experience. You can
enjoy the delights of Via Papiniano's street market on a Saturday morning, lunch
at one of the many ethnic restaurants and then drift round the hollow spaces and
shiny surfaces of the Gallery. From the outside, the building on Via Andrea
Solari is grim, but enter this warehouse museum and you will be amazed at the
space and presence of the sculptures as well as the reasonable ticket price.
A transparent lift whisks you up three floors so that you can admire the shapely
brass creations from all angles and marvel at the intricate detailing and odd
movement of some of the pieces as they swing on their axis.
So... if you enjoy Pasta al Pomodoro , why not try something weightier, with the
man’s glittering globes and tottering towers? Milan is stuffed full of tasty
modern art and now is the time to start sampling the menu....