Milan-based artist and designer Vincenzo de Cotiis masterfully weaves together salvaged and reclaimed materials – the signs of their age left intact – with precious materials such as Indian jasper. The original form of the materials is often difficult to identify, but their histories are always visible.
He aims for perfect imperfection, achieved through the deconstruction, re-construction, and re-appropriation of salvaged materials such as fiberglass, stone and mood. De Cotiis believes that art and functionality are fundamentally linked, and as such his pieces transcend the boundary that divides the two disciples.
What makes this designer’s carreer so special is the evolution of his practice towards contemporary art. De Cotiis creates sculptural pieces that seek to forget functionality and submit to influences of distant memories.
Preoccupied with the weathering effect of time, De Cotiis often layers experimental materials into organic geometries. He comments: “The ethereal luminescence and transparency of the materials used, such as Murano glass and iridescent metals, alter perception while the sutures attempt the impossible: patching time…”
Vincenzo De Cotiis studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano before founding his studio and architecture practice in 1997. He finds inspiration in classical art movements, from the Italian Baroque to the French Impressionists. Interpreting these movements using a contemporary lens, De Cotiis approaches his work as a painter would, considering the light, colour and materials.
De Cotiis is currently presenting his work in an installation at Ca’ d’Oro during this year’s Venice Biennale. The installation is part of the exhibition ‘Dysfunctional’ by Carpenters Workshop Gallery. On show through 24 November 2019, CA’ D’ORO, Fondamenta Trapolin 3932 Venezia Italy. Concurrently his work is presented in “Eternel”, a solo show at Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Paris.
VINCENZO DE COTIIS REPRESENTED BY CARPENTERS WORKSHOP GALLERY NEW YORK, LONDON, PARIS, SAN FRANCISCO https://www.carpentersworkshopgallery.com
VINCENZO DE COTIIS ARCHITECTS AND GALLERY MILANO, ITALY http://www.decotiis.it
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