Nathalie Du Pasquier - VOLARE GUARDARE COSTRUIRE

From May 17 to September 14, 2025, the Museo Nivola in Orani (NU) presents a site-specific project by Nathalie Du Pasquier, a French artist and designer based in Milan, titled Volare Guardare Costruire. Conceived specifically for the museum’s spaces, the exhibition takes the form of a retrospective dedicated to the artist’s pictorial production, from her beginnings to the present day. The title refers to three phases in Du Pasquier’s painting practice.

Volare (“To Fly ”) evokes the moment of detachment from the design of functional objects toward the freer practice of painting. It is perhaps no coincidence that many works from this period feature scenes viewed from above, with a bird’s-eye perspective—symbol of the power of imagination and its ability to soar and expand freely.

Guardare (“To Look”) refers to a second phase, marked by the need to move away from purely imaginative scenes and devote attention to quiet, precise observation of reality—even the most ordinary and seemingly insignificant objects. These objects, when observed with care, reveal extraordinary forms, precious details, and the ability to encompass within themselves the complexity of existence. These are visions the artist describes as “utterly silent and utterly still,” inviting viewers to rediscover the pleasure of the sensible world through silent and attentive observation.

Unsatisfied with the mere appearance of reality, Du Pasquier finally turns to Costruire (“To Build”), creating original structures—small, abstract three-dimensional constructions—which are then portrayed with paint, brought back onto the two-dimensional surface of her canvases. This generates a complex dynamic between reality and representation, serving as a beautiful metaphor for painting itself.

Edited by: Giuliana Altea, Antonella Camarda, Luca Cheri
Dimensions: 21.5 x 28 cm
Binding: Paperback (Brochure)
Pages: 96
Illustrations: 85
Language: English
Year: 2025
ISBN: 9788842227281

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