Giovanni Anselmo

Private Collection (acquired directly from the artist)
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 20th Century Italian Art, 25 October 2000, Lot 53
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Turin, Galleria in Arco, Arte Povera, 1990, no. 4, illustrated twice, once on the back cover

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is deeper and richer in the original. The catalogue illustration fails to fully convey the three-dimensionality of the original work. Condition: This work is in very good condition. All surface irregularities are inherent to the artist's choice of media.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This work is accompanied by a photo-certificate of authenticity signed by the artist

In Grigi che si Alleggeriscono verso Oltremare (Greys fading towards ultramarine) Giovanni Anselmo explores the implications of gravity, a phenomenon which has been at the core of his investigation since the beginning of his artistic production.

'Grigio' indicates the stone; 'oltremare' evokes both the colour 'ultramarine' and the phrase 'in the distant sea', alluding to a dimension beyond our geographical world, from where, centuries ago, the mineral from which the ultramarine pigment was extracted, was brought to Europe. Placed in a relationship with the 'oltremare' (the blue paint on the wall), the 'grigio' fades towards a new dimension.

Anselmo's oeuvre mirrored many of the principles of the Arte Povera movement, of which the artist is one of the most important representatives. His work breaks away from traditional notions of painting and sculpture, dealing with space, time and energy. Consequently for Anselmo, art is no longer a static, immobile entity, but a translation of the experiences of real life.