Red Elation Gallery is delighted to present the second solo exhibition in Hong Kong by established Hong Kong-based Italian artist Franco Anzelmo. Entitled REALISMO FANTASTICO (i.e. fantastic realism), the exhibition showcases recent sculptural works in modeled fiber and other materials around a series of human figures. The title refers to the moment that the artist travels between fantasy and reality.
Franco celebrates humanity with his sculptures. He uses the instinctive architecture of the human body, adding poetic symbols and allegory to express the importance of following one's dream, and of escaping from the unpleasent things in life through beauty and poetry. "I don't want to relinquish the epic, sacred feeling of sculpture; nor the eternal celebrative and symbolic values that it has always represented", says Franco.
FANTASY VS. REALITY
Sculpture, for Franco, is an eternal art form, with the works living on beyond the artist. Each figure reflects the artist’s imagination and stories from his real life experiences. “Venus of the fly” is inspired by life around his Shenzhen studio. The living environment is poor - garbage, dirt, cockroaches and mice are everywhere, yet everybody living there looks great and happy. He sketches those faces of ordinary women and has created a sculpture with flowers and cockroaches to praise the beauty of females in this environment. “Boy with Balloons” is a representation of hope, surprise for life and projection of new life. In his sculptures, flying objects are a symbol of hope and freedom. He expresses his positive outlook on life in his sculptures - every person can be a hero in everyday life. Through his poetic expression, he declares that each person should have dignity.
Artist Biography
Franco Anzelmo is a sculptor based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. He was born in Ravenna, Italy in 1955. He obtained his Ph.D. in Fine Art from the Academy of Fine Arts Brera, Milan and studied art in the cities of Venice and Florence. His works have been exhibited in Italy and classified in the top ten in a few national awards. Franco is one of the winners of the Prima Ora Award, Italy, 2012 and has participated in the 54th BIENNALE DI VENEZIA sala NERVI TORINO, 2011-2012.
