Mazzoleni presents Contemplatio, the first London solo exhibition in almost a decade by contemporary Italian artist Andrea Francolino. Open from 5 June to 12 September, the exhibition offers a sanctuary for reflection, inviting visitors to contemplate the beauty found in both human and earthly imperfections.
Private View: Thursday 5 June, 6 – 8pm
London Gallery Weekend | 7 June: 11am – 6pm | 8 June: 12 – 5pm
Andrea Francolino (Bari, b. 1979) centres his artistic reflections on the concept of rupture in all its variations, consequences and possibilities. He explores rupture as a marker of space and time, a symbol of natural evolution, and a representation of environmental and societal equilibrium. With an ecological and philosophical approach, Francolino views rupture as a space for infinite possibilities.
In Contemplatio, the artist invites viewers to rediscover two fundamental conditions for engaging deeply with art and its manifestation: contemplation and inspiration. Contemplation – through stillness and reflection – allows us to see beyond surface appearances, while inspiration transforms perception into generation. In an era driven by speed and performance, these concepts are elusive, Contemplatio thus urges us to pause, reflect and embrace the profound messages that emerge from these fractures, both in the world around us and within ourselves.
ARTIST DEFINITION OF CONTEMPLATIO
The Latin term Contemplatio (from contemplari) originates from cum-templum. In ancient Rome, templum referred to a portion of the sky marked out by an augur for divination, where divine signs—such as the flight of birds or lightning—were observed and interpreted. It was a consecrated space, whether celestial or earthly, akin to a temple.
In Greek thought, Contemplatio was understood as the highest intellectual faculty in the pursuit of intelligible knowledge. Over time, its meaning evolved into the idea of rational reflection or the focused concentration of the mind on a philosophical or religious truth.
Contemplation can thus refer to both intellectual knowledge of nature and divine understanding. Today, to contemplate means to gaze for a prolonged period with interest, wonder, admiration, and curiosity, in a state of absolute attentiveness.
Looking at a crack is like looking at the universe, I reflect on the meaning of life and the meaning of things.
Andrea Francolino
