It’s official – renowned artist Carla Tolomeo lands in Geneva’s Grand Rue with her extraordinary ‘Trans-formation’ exhibition, available to view at Artion Galleries Geneva until November 19. Featuring over sixty mesmerizing works, including paintings, sculptures, and the artist’s iconic art chairs, this must-see showcase unveils the evolution and legacy of Carla’s illustrious career.
Carla Tolomeo © Artion Galleries
Carla Tolomeo and art chairs
Who is Carla Tolomeo, and why chairs? If you somehow did not already know who this creative genius is, Carla Tolomeo is an Italian multimedia artist who gained popularity for her unique ability to breathe new life into seemingly ordinary objects. From her early beginnings training as a painter in Rome, mentored by prominent figures like Giorgio de Chirico, Guttuso and Attardi, to a significant career move in 1971, with the launch of her ‘Sedie’ (Chairs) exhibition, sculpting and morphing chairs into art, Carla evokes the brilliance of a true artist, fueled by curiosity and a quest to transcend boundaries.‘I started with painting, which taught me how to work with colors and angles, and then onto the possibilities that materials could give me. The most important thing is to experiment, to be open to new styles and continually transform’ explains Carla. With her art chairs, Carla was indeed ahead of the curve on sustainability, pioneering the idea of repurposing different materials and setting new standards for creativity as a whole.
Today, Carla is a global name on the international art scene, celebrated for her undeniable artistry and unconventional outlook. Her works have graced the salons of luxury brands worldwide and captivated luminaries such as Angela Missoni, the creative head of the Missoni fashion label; the leading art director of Hermes; and can even be found in the homes of celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sophia Loren, and Bill Gates.
Carla Tolomeo © Artion Galleries
The art of transformation
Inspired by the work of Jorge Luis Borges, the exhibition is a showcase of art forms in continuous evolution. Borges’ philosophy, which embraces the idea of reinventing things, overturning traditional conventions and giving new life to what already exists, is mirrored deeply within Carla’s work. ‘All objects have an energy and unique place in the world. Nothing old should be dismissed; everything holds potential for a second life’ Carla tells us. Her artistic concept defies concluded cycles, advocating for the rebirth and reuse of everyday objects, and delivering a poignant lesson about life itself.
From twinkling tapestries made from repurposed textiles to enormous flower bloom chairs, once banal and domestic, Carla’s creations have undergone a metamorphosis into vibrant totems of magic.
Discover ‘Trans-formation’ at Artion Galleries Geneva until November 19, 2023.
