Adriano Cisani: State of Mind

The image shows various objects standing in a white room. In the centre of the image, three objects which seem to be milk cans are standing on pedestals in front of a pillar. It is an installation view by Adriano Cisani's exhibition 'Contemplations' at Culture Week Tbilisi, 2024.
Adriano Cisani, State of Mind, 2024, installation view at Culture Week Tbilisi, 2024. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Guram Kapanadze.

A triptych of milk cans, marked by indentations, gun shots, or fine golden lines respectively. The vessels represent dysthymia, euthymia, and euphoria – the depressed, excited, and balanced states of mind. The contrast between the familiar and reassuring form of the milk can and the golden applications, with the heavy materials and brutal gestures makes the group oscillate between comfort and violence; female and male; lightness and weight.

State of Mind forms part of Adriano Cisani’s Contemplations, 2024, a group of work first presented at Culture Week Tbilisi, Georgia, 2024. Characterized by an incredible sense of intimacy, the sculptures address questions concerning different emotional and states of mind, and societal values. Their aesthetics transcend close readings and capture a universal.

Based between Milan and Venice, Cisani’s work is informed both by maritime trades and rural craftsmanship. His art combines industrial materials and historical objects, and scientific gadgets in particular. The objects’ delicacy and exquisite sense of aesthetics convey lightness and a sense of humour which is paired with a radical determination. They are minimal yet sensual; childishly perfect.

The images shows the close up of what seems to be a metallic can. The object is dark red whith gold applications. It is an art work by Adriano Cisani.
Adriano Cisani, State of Mind, 2024, idetail. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Adam Katz Sinding.

Find out more about Adriano Cisani’s work on the artist’s website or his Instagram @adrianocisani.