About the artwork
This sculpture depicts a recumbent dog, rendered in bronze with a textured, somewhat abstracted surface. The form suggests a dog lying down, with its legs extended forward and backward, and its head resting on the ground. The material's finish and visible seams contribute to a sense of the object's construction. The work is part of Velasco Vitali's ongoing series of dog sculptures, a subject he has explored since at least 2003. These sculptures are often life-sized and, while not strictly realistic, convey a sense of tension through their postures. The artist's use of materials like sheet metal, wire mesh, plaster, tar, and bronze, often with visible welding or a 'mutilated surface,' contributes to the sculptures' aesthetic. The dog sculptures by Vitali are often interpreted as metaphors for human conditions, including loss of individual identity and migration. They can also represent the concept of "ghost cities" or abandoned places, forming part of installations like "Branco," which explores themes of anarchic progress and social structures in urban peripheries.
Expert opinion
Velasco Vitali occupies a position within contemporary Italian art, known for his consistent exploration of specific themes and materials. His dog sculptures, in particular, have become a recognizable aspect of his oeuvre, appearing in various exhibitions and public installations. The artist's work has been acquired by institutional collections such as the MACRO in Rome. The market for his work demonstrates a presence in both painting and sculpture, with auction results indicating a collector base for his bronze pieces.
About the artist
Velasco Vitali, born in Bellano, Italy, in 1960, is a painter and sculptor who lives and works in Milan. His artistic career began with an encounter with Giovanni Testori and participation in the "Artisti e Scrittori" exhibition in Milan. After early solo exhibitions, his painting focused on the tragedy that affected Valtellina in the late 1980s, culminating in the "Paesaggio Cancellato" exhibition in 1990. In the late 1990s, Vitali was invited to the Rome Quadriennale and began exploring the ports of the Mediterranean and southern Italy, leading to projects such as "Isolitudine" (2000) with Ferdinando Scianna and "MIXtura" (2003) with Franco Battiato. His work was included in the MACRO collection in 2005. He has exhibited at the Venice Biennale (Italian Pavilion, 2011) and the Gherdeina Biennale of sculpture (2014). A documentary titled "Il Gesto Delle Mani," released in 2015, portrays him during the creation of a bronze sculpture. Vitali has maintained a focus on dog sculptures for approximately 15 years, utilizing various materials in their creation. These sculptures often evoke stray dogs found in Mediterranean cities, reflecting themes of survival and improvised spaces. His artistic approach often involves staging visual creations that encourage contemplation, rather than presenting explicit interpretations or narratives.
Additional info
Certificate
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