From February 7 to March 15, a wave of color floods the City Museum of Chiari. Andrea Sangalli presents in its galleries a series of paintings and a selection of sculptures in which fish—over the years his unmistakable signature—tell small everyday stories. A joyful yet profound exhibition, curated by Alessandra Redaelli and made possible thanks to Colossi Arte Contemporanea gallery.

Chosen years ago to symbolize humanity as a whole in its indistinguishability, Sangalli’s fish succeed, through their stories, in portraying reality with all its contradictions and challenges, always managing to bring a smile to our faces, hypnotizing us with their bright, rich, decidedly pop palette, and enchanting us with surreal atmospheres and unexpected perspectives.

Among overcrowded glass bowls precariously balanced within silent interiors and landscapes with metaphysical suggestions, the exhibition also features a selection of works specifically dedicated to the city of Chiari, which for once appears disguised as a dreamlike place. Here, colors resemble children’s favorite gummy candies, and architecture is reimagined through flat planes and rhythmic geometries.

Able to convey deep themes with a light touch, Sangalli speaks to both adults and children, and it is precisely to the latter that a special space in the exhibition is dedicated. A performance has been designed for school groups: after being invited to copy one of the artist’s sculptures, the children will witness a staged accident in which the artwork is destroyed, followed by a lesson (in art, yes, but above all in life) on how to rebuild from the fragments and start again from mistakes to create new beauty. A precious example of optimism and resilience that can only come from art.

 

Opening February 7, 4:30 pm

Hours:

Friday > 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday // Sunday > 10:00 am – 12:00 pm / 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm