Numeroventi is pleased to announce Material Myths, the Italian solo debut of Ali Shah Gallefoss, opening on April 12th at 5PM in Via dei Pandolfini 20, Florence. In such occasion, a selection of pieces, part of the same body of works, will be exhibited at Capsule Plaza, Spazio Maiocchi during MDW23.
Material Myths is the result of a two-month residency of the Oslo-based artist Ali Gallefoss, which led to a series of sculptural furniture, extruded interiors and ceramic vases. The pieces, sitting on the threshold between art and design, emerge from Gallefoss’ research on the traditional manufacturing techniques that characterise the region of Florence. The focus and relationship with materials - in this case aluminium and ceramic - are two leading elements of Ali Gallefoss’ practice. Infused by an initial vision or idea, matter is addressed as a living entity, suggesting the relationship between an artist and their muse.
The realisation of Material Myths featured a collaboration with a family-run foundry located in Pistoia working with lost-wax casting and an investigation on the nearly lost technique of ceramic extrusion, characteristic of the Impruneta area. In both cases, Gallefoss combined a will to investigate vernacular practices with their interpretation through a contemporary design-oriented vision. Thus, the process was not only based on the recovery of these traditional methodologies but also on suggesting new approaches, as it happened with the introduction of sand casting while working with the Salvatori family.
See full collection ︎︎︎
Ali Gallefoss’ practice is infused with chance and intuitive contaminations, giving shape to a unique body of work. Each piece oozes its own narrative, influenced by the conditions underlying the creative act. Their playful erraticness evokes the contribution of designers such as Isamu Noguchi, whose works meant to “add something to experience” and, rather than just making shapes, dig into the fundamentals.
Exhibition
Opening Hours
Milano
Spazio Maiocchi
17-23 April
10.00–18.00
Firenze
Numeroventi
12-28 April
Monday–Wednesday
by appointment
Ali Gallefoss (Bergen, 1989) lives and works in Oslo, Norway. He works with different materials and techniques to create pieces exploring the synchronicities and possibilities of the crafting process. Intertwining functionality with visual expression, his work blurs the border between art and design, offering an unorthodox perspective on the contemporary world. Gallefoss holds a BA in Furniture and Spatial Design from the Bergen Academy of Art and Design, and an MA in Furniture and Spatial Design from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.