Description
Untitled, After Gold was created with artisans in Kolkata, using the “Aari” embroidery technique, which originated in Gujarat in the 12th century and is achieved with a small hooked needle known as an Aari. The embroidery technique brings a fresh dimension to Paolo Colombo’s lyrical compositions, which draw inspiration from Byzantine and Classical mosaics, further reimagining his signature fusion of ancient and modern influences. Key elements of Colombo’s visual language—the line, dot, and square—are transformed through the medium of thread, offering new interpretations and expanding the dialogue between his meditative practice and the textile tradition.
Additional information
| Dimensions | 75.0 × 56.0 cm |
| Medium Text |
Hand spun cotton thread on cotton, Aari embroidery technique |
| Year |
2024 |
Paolo Colombo
Paolo Colombo (b. 1949, Turin) is a prominent Italian artist and curator currently based in Athens. Since 2008 he has served as art advisor for Istanbul Modern; was formerly curator of the Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo, Rome (2001-07); director of the Centre d’Art Contemporain, Geneva (1989-2000); and notably curated the Iraqi Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale. Colombo's artistic journey began in 1977 when he became the first European artist to exhibit at MoMA PS1, New York. Recently he has resumed his personal artistic practice, creating watercolour and pencil drawings featuring characters from poetry, animals, and intricate patterns, inspired by ancient mosaics.
Paolo Colombo is one of the first artists to be commissioned for the ITERARTE variations series, working with artisans in India specialised in embroidery. His latest solo exhibition was at Baert Gallery, Los Angeles (2024). His work is included in public collections at the Benaki Museum, Athens and Istanbul Modern.
