Livio Scarpella: Oliobronzoterracotta

Olio Bronzo Terracotta translates as Oil Bronze Terracotta, and covers the three media that Livio Scarpella demonstrates considerable mastery over in a show that just opened at the Galleria Poggiali e Forconi, in Via della Scala 35 (Florence, just off from Piazza Santa Maria Novella).

The show consists of portraits, including several self-portraits and nudes of a rather sultry-looking woman (the oils), quite a few busts and a few full-figured nudes (the terracottas), and two more nudes, one green and the other with the classic metallic patina (the bronzes).

Mr. Scarpella's subjects are people, not the idealized renditions that one often sees, and this is especially true for the terracottas, which return the viewer's gaze with a questioning air; one could almost strike up a conversation with some of them.

Who is Mr. Scarpella? He's from Brescia, and has been showing his works for close to a decade; he says that up until now he has mostly shown canvasses, but decided to concentrate on sculpture here. A wise choice, because his sculptures have a vibrant immediacy to them, and it comes as no surprise when he says he prefers sculpting to painting.

An interesting show, and in a few years one could well come across one of these pieces in a major museum.

Practicalities:
The Galleria Poggiali e Forconi is on Via della Scala, off Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Number 35. The show will extend through March 31, and is open daily except Sundays, 9:30-1 and 3-7:30