Pistoletto Promotes Contemporary Art at PMA

While I consider myself pretty educated when it comes to classic artists like Van Gogh or Picasso, I am the first to admit I am hopeless when it comes to more modern creations. Its not that I don’t appreciate their art; it’s simply that I am not exposed to it. And so I’m making more of an effort, starting with the new Michelangelo Pistoletto exhibit now open at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Michelangelo Pistoletto: From One to Many, 1956–1974 showcases earlier works of the Italian superstar, who has been winning over Europe for decades. His name is becoming more popular in the U.S., and in response this is the first show of its kind in more than 20 years.

The exhibit includes more than 100 pieces covering Minimalism to Pop, self portraits to collaborations. The pieces are colorful, multifaceted and cross-platformed, promising something for every taste. Pieces of note include Quadri specchianti (Mirroring Paintings), Oggetti in meno (Minus Objects) and Stracci (Rags).

In conjunctions with the show, the museum will also be hosting a second, smaller exhibit called Michelangelo Pistoletto: Cittadellarte, which will display current pieces created in Pistoletto’s laboratory, Cittadellarte, in Biella, Italy. In light of the lab’s design as a interdisciplinary workshop, this exhibit will also feature lectures and performances.

Both exhibits run through January 16, 2011. Exhibits are free with museum admission.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located at 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.763.8100, www.philamuseum.org.