In the heart of Italy’s artistic fervor, Raffaele Salvoldi’s architectonic installations rise from the simplicity of KAPLA planks, a testament to the transformative power of creativity. These planks, a brainchild of a Dutch antique dealer from the 1960s, serve as the foundational elements of Salvoldi’s towering structures. His work, a harmonious blend of nostalgia and innovation, began amidst the solitude of a pandemic lockdown, where the act of stacking wood blocks evolved into a profound artistic endeavor.
Salvoldi’s creations are not mere static displays; they are dynamic interactions with space and light. As spiraling columns and delicate towers ascend, they are often backlit, casting dramatic shadows and revealing the intricate dance between solidity and void. Each installation is a response to its environment, whether it be the historic Casa Bossi or the contemporary halls of modern galleries. Salvoldi invites viewers to witness the growth of his installations, an unfolding narrative of art in progress.
The ephemeral nature of Salvoldi’s work is underscored by its deconstruction. Visitors partake in the dismantling, adding to the narrative by contributing their own block to the structure, or witnessing the domino effect orchestrated by the artist himself. This cycle of creation and deconstruction is a poignant reflection on the transient beauty of art and life. Salvoldi continues to explore the boundaries of architectural forms through his Wood Arc project, promising new installations that resonate with the spaces they inhabit.
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Colossal).
