Emilio Cavallini – Transfiguration
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Rosai Ugolini Modern is pleased to present “Transfiguration”, artist Emilio Cavallini’s
first solo show in New York, and the inauguration of the gallery’s new space in the
heart of the Lower East Side. The retrospective exhibition examines Cavallini’s work
in a career spanning over four decades.
Cavallini’s creative vision was lent to the fashion world during his extensive and
prolific tenure as founder and creative engine behind Stilnovo, a fashion house that
would revolutionize the textile industry. With his discovery of ground-breaking
technology in the production of thread, Cavallini’s creative expression was given free
reign. Beginning in the early 70’s and running parallel to his experimental journey in
the fashion world, was an ever-present artistic quest driving him towards the root of
the pure creative process.
The son of an era characterized by unlimited experimentation, Cavallini’s formal work
was influenced by op and kinetic art, spatialism, and abstract constructivism. Thread,
the focal point of his artistic expression, is a medium that serves as a continuous
conduit in his investigation into the harmony of chaos theory. Related textile
materials such as yarn tubes are utilized to create fractals, abstract diagrams and
bifurcations.
48 Orchard Street New York NY 10002 | 212 966 5686 | [email protected] | www.rosaiugolini.com
For Immediate Release
Emilio Cavallini
Transfiguration
September 24 – November 8, 2015
Opening reception: Thursday, September 24 – 6pm to 8pm
ROSAI UGOLINI modern, 48 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002, Wed thru Sun-11am to 6pm
Through precise mathematical calculations, permutations, and repetition-variation
processes, Cavallini weaves thread into a delicate matrix of color, depth and volume.
Within the repetition, a rhythm is created that highlights an affinity with musical
forms. The repetition process guarantees unity, yet also allows for the most complex
elaborations. Thus in Cavallini’s work, we are struck by countless color variations
and expansive structures based on motifs such as the circle, square or hexagon; the
surfaces of which pulse with the innate tension of the thread strung into intricate
patterns of architectural relief.
“Transfiguration” will feature an encompassing selection of works dating from the
early 80’s to the present, many of which will be publicly exhibited for the first time.
Emilio Cavallini (San Miniato, 1945) is a renowned artist and designer whose forty-year
contribution to the fashion world includes singular creations for the houses of Mary Quant,
Dior, Celine, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Gucci. His eponymous label is exported
worldwide, from New York to London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo and beyond. In 1989 he was
awarded Venice’s Leone d’Oro for creativity and innovation. His artistic and industrial
contributions were recognized in the last decade by Italy’s Prime Minister and President
with several national honors including “Knight of Industry”, “Officer of the Republic” and
“Commendatore”. An artist’s book published by Skira was released in 2010 to celebrate
three decades of his art practice. Cavallini’s work was presented in a solo exhibition at the
2011 Triennale of Milan, during which he constructed a site specific, four-meter cube of
stocking thread. His work has been the subject of critical texts by Sergio Risaliti, Laura
Cherubini, Silvia Pegoraro, among others. Upcoming in the fall are solo exhibitions at
Opera Gallery, Paris, and Galleria Valmore, Vicenza
Rosai Ugolini Modern was born of the enthusiasm to bring the finest of 20th and 21st century
Italian Art to New York and beyond. The gallery program will showcase both modern masters and
contemporary artists through curated exhibitions that explore the distinctive and continuous
dialogue between the two