gaetano pesce exhibits original ‘unframed’ drawings at new york’s galerie56

early drawings showcase radical design process

New York‘s Galerie56 opens with an exhibition of early ‘unframed’ drawings by Italian designer Gaetano Pesce. The show offers an insight into his creative process and the scope of his radical artistic vision. The multidisciplinary artist is known for his unconventional, often experimental approach — creating furniture pieces which incorporate bold colors, unusual shapes, and organic textures. Now, the exhibition will showcase a little-known practice within his vast body of work: a collection of sixty drawings related to both his existing architecture, interior, and furniture projects, alongside unrealized concepts that highlight his unbounded imagination.

Galerie56 is nestled along the ground floor of Herzog & de Meuron‘s ‘Jenga’ tower on 56 Leonard Street in Tribeca, its full-height glass walls looking onto the rear-side of Anish Kapoor‘s newly completed ‘bean’ sculpture. ‘Gaetano Pesce Unframed’ is on view at Galerie56 from March 2nd — May 8th, 2023.

Gaetano Pesce Unframed, exhibition view, image by Olympia Shannon © Galerie56

‘unframed’ craft at galerie56

The Galerie56 exhibition, titled ‘Gaetano Pesce Unframed’ is the first opportunity for the public to view a collection of the artist’s drawings, some of which have previously been shown in limited forms at select museums. The works are crafted with commonplace materials such as paper, mylar, cardboard, and resin, attesting to his ability to ‘defy categorization’ and connect with a wide range of viewers. The collection of drawings demonstrate Pesce’s fun-loving wit and show a preference for the extraordinary. This display not only illustrates his aptitude for drawing, but also reasserts his standing as a fine artist.

Gaetano Pesce Unframed, exhibition view, image by Olympia Shannon © Galerie56

a new insight into the mind of gaetano pesce

The opening of ‘Gaetano Pesce Unframed’ closely follows Dear Future, The Future Perfect’s Los Angeles exhibition of the artist’s experimental furniture pieces. This show brings together a number of his bold physical works, ranging from his iconic 1969-designed ‘Up’ series to his more recent pieces. This exhibition of drawings at Galerie56 provides an opportunity to explore the designer’s unique approach to furniture making, and to view his works in a new light.

‘One of the greatest conceptualists of our time, Gaetano Pesce is one of the most important living figures in architecture and design today,’ says Lee F. Mindel, founder of Galerie56. ‘His concept of the world and sense of materiality is uniquely characterized by a profound sense of humor. We are honored to showcase his drawings that exemplify the thought behind some of his most significant projects.’

Self-portrait relief, Gaetano Pesce, 2022 | image by Olympia Shannon © Galerie56
Sebastian, Gaetano Pesce, 1995 | image by Olympia Shannon © Galerie56

Dujardin, Gaetano Pesce | image by Olympia Shannon © Galerie56

Gardino Verticale — Vertical garden, Gaetano Pesce, 1997 | image by Olympia Shannon © Galerie56

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project info:

exhibition title: Gaetano Pesce Unframed

artist: Gaetano Pesce | @gaetano.pesce

gallery: Galerie56 | @galerie56_official

location: 56 Leonard Street, New York, NY

gallery founder: Lee F. Mindel

on view: March 2nd — May 8th, 2023

photography: Olympia Shannon | @olyshannon