Galleria Continua proudly unveils “Judgement Time,” the concluding chapter of a project spanning the globe, honouring Michelangelo Pistoletto’s 90th year. This intercontinental venture showcases Pistoletto’s journey, spotlighting his evolution from the Arte Povera movement to a contemporary art luminary. Galleria Continua orchestrates a worldwide celebration with solo exhibitions across its locations, including San Gimignano, Cuba, Les Moulins, Rome, Paris, Beijing, Dubai, and São Paulo. “Judgement Time” at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai is a testament to Pistoletto’s diverse oeuvre, featuring Mirror Paintings that offer an exploration of time and the interconnectedness of art and life.
The Mirror Paintings, embodying a “self-portrait of the world,” originated from Pistoletto’s exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2022. The series, now displayed globally, encompasses 11 mirrors created in collaboration with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, intertwining images of museum visitors and ancient sculptures. Pistoletto’s Mirror Paintings transcend traditional dimensions, incorporating time as the fourth dimension and inviting viewers to perceive a multifaceted reality. This exhibition delves into the Mirror Paintings’ essential characteristics, emphasising their capacity to unite observers with their surroundings, creating a symbiotic relationship between still images and their dynamic reflections.
Pistoletto’s masterstroke, “Il Tempo del Giudizio” (The Time of Judgment), employs mirrors as a recurring motif, forming a temple where Judaism, Catholicism, Islam, and Buddhism converge. This work transforms art into a conduit for cultural meanings, transcending religious boundaries. Pistoletto asserts that art engages with religion to present alternative interpretative systems, fostering independent thought. “Il Tempo del Giudizio” intricately weaves together Art, Spirituality, and Politics, underscoring their interconnectedness.
This exhibition retraces the pivotal elements of Pistoletto’s career but also propels his Mirror Paintings into a contemporary dialogue, offering a perspective on the fourth dimension, connecting past, present, and future. As Galleria Continua’s global project culminates in “Judgement Time,” Michelangelo Pistoletto’s enduring impact on the art world is celebrated, reaffirming his status as a transformative force in contemporary art.
About Michelangelo Pistoletto
Michelangelo Pistoletto, born in Biella in 1933, stands as a seminal figure in contemporary art. Pioneering the Arte Povera movement, he gained international acclaim for his Mirror Paintings, exploring the fusion of art, time, and the viewer. His career reflects a commitment to social change, evident in projects like Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto and the University of Ideas. Winner of the Venice Biennale’s Golden Lion for Lifelong Achievement (2003) and the Praemium Imperiale for Painting (2013), Pistoletto’s transformative work extends to his “Third Paradise” concept, fostering a dynamic interplay between art and society.
Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai
Dates: November 25, 2022 – January 7, 2024