Filippo Tincolini: contemporary sculpture between tradition, pop, and social reflection

Lorenzo Renzulli, Beniculturalionline, September 14, 2024

Tuscan artist Filippo Tincolini continues to stand out in the contemporary art scene with his ability to merge classical tradition with elements of pop culture and current social themes. This unique approach has made him one of the most original voices in contemporary sculpture.

Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Tincolini has maintained a profound connection with marble, a noble and historical material. Yet, his vision goes further, experimenting with new technologies, materials, and languages that transform sculpture into a medium for exploring the complexities of the human condition.

In his works, Filippo Tincolini reinterprets classical sculptural tradition through a modern lens. The “Ancient Gods” series exemplifies this: classical busts evoking ancient deities are fused with symbols of pop culture, such as superheroes. Mythological figures become contemporary archetypes, a playful contrast that makes the past surprisingly relevant.

One of Tincolini’s most iconic works is the “Spaceman”, a symbol of the duality between technological progress and nature’s resurgence. The astronaut figure, monumental in marble or resin, is adorned with flowers and leaves emerging from the space suit. This powerful image prompts reflection on the fragile balance between humanity’s drive to explore the unknown and the need to reconnect with the Earth.

His recent installation in Capri, featuring the monumental “Spaceman Shine”, sparked a lively dialogue between tradition and innovation. Placed in the historic Piazzetta, the sculpture captivated both public and critics, proving how contemporary art can harmoniously integrate into settings steeped in history.

Another key element of Tincolini’s work is environmental sustainability. Pieces such as the marble oil barrels, exhibited in Geneva, emphasize the depletion of natural resources, transforming industrial objects into artistic symbols. For Tincolini, art is not just about aesthetics but also about awareness—a tool to raise consciousness on critical issues like the environment, identity, and the planet’s future.

Filippo Tincolini’s artistic journey will culminate in 2025 with a major solo exhibition in Pietrasanta, the “Little Athens.” This event promises to be a journey through the artist’s world, featuring monumental works and new explorations. The exhibition will offer a profound look at the tensions between humanity, nature, and progress—central themes in Tincolini’s poetic vision.

With his ability to bridge past and present, Filippo Tincolini affirms himself as one of the most intriguing and visionary artists of his generation, creating sculptures that speak to everyone, telling timeless stories through an extraordinarily contemporary language.

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