Poser Ses Valises
Bruno Catalano

Time, space, art of the past and contemporary art are all present in Venice in both new and old places. To walk in Venice is also to communicate with all of these factors, the where, the when and the art of today, yesterday and the future.

Bruno Catalano’s sculptures explore the theme of the traveller, steadily moving towards the future, even with a fragmented body and a fleeting pace.

We can meet The Travellers by Bruno Catalano at the Goldoni Theatre, a two-meter statue resembling Van Gogh that interacts with visitors and with the magnificent backdrop as the frame to this artwork. Another can be met on the Grand Canal, at the Sina Centurion Palace, where an imposing three-meter "Bleu de Chine" character dominates the outdoor terrace.

Reflecting each other in a mirrored effect at the Church of San Gallo are four characters, three males, "Hubert", "Raphael" and "Bachir" and one female, "Lauralou". These figures are no longer alone but connected with their respective terracotta models.

These four works of art are prominently placed in the building and the clay portrays the same faces as the fragmented bodies of the bronze statues. Completeness in the terracotta and an emptiness in the permanence of the bronze. Between the two there is a symmetrical and alternating theme: when one is walking the other is still. This reflection highlights the differences and similarities, including the visitors and recreating the beings in their true value.

The suitcase is the focus, the true symbol of the journey, where we can put objects but also hopes and dreams. In this interpretation, we can see the luggage of the artist exposed in the church of San Gallo as real objects but with a strong metaphoric meaning.

The complete installation includes The Ravagnan Gallery in St Mark’s Square at number 50/A, where Bruno Catalano’s sculptures are hosted and the new Ravagnan Gallery at 686 Dorsoduro (next to the Peggy Guggenheim Foundation).

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