Installations

Metamorphose II

The Greek philosopher Eubulides of Miletus is credited with the sophistic argument known as the paradox of the sorites (heap). The most common way it is formulated is as follows: the first grain does not constitute a heap, neither does the second, and so on; thus, either the heap never forms, or if it is accepted that it forms by the addition of a given grain, it must be concluded that it was that single grain that made the heap exist.

The famous Dutch illustrator and engraver Maurits Cornelis Escher was a great master in the graphic representation of various mathematical and logical themes and paradoxes. Metamorphose II, from 1940, is one of his works that best embodies the theme of the paradox of the sorites.

This is the work I have chosen to set to music. When does a polygon stop being a polygon and start being the two-dimensional representation of a lizard, or a fish, or a bird, and vice versa? If Escher graphically represented this theme, my work has been to transpose it musically. When does a melody, a timbre, or a key stop being what it is and become something else?
Please, enjoy the listening and viewing experience!

La Petite Chaise

A merged interactive performance within a multimedia installation that explores the significance of memories and nostalgia through an evocative dialogue with the audience.

The exhibition

"La Petite Chaise" was presented at the Cavallerizza Reale in Turin, hosted by Paratissima. The event was part of the "Salone OFF" program of the Salone del Libro di Torino, International Book Fair 2023.

The work offers a profound reflection on the meaning of memories and nostalgia, actively involving the audience in an evocative dialogue.
Memory is like a shadow, it is and it isn't simultaneously. Its presence is constant, yet constantly intangible.

As soon as the visitor crosses the threshold of the room where the work is displayed, they are immediately enveloped in an ethereal atmosphere. Aluminum wire sculptures and dim lighting create a setting that makes them feel immersed in a personal memory. Within this space, a figure stands out, a shadow projected onto a wall, as if it were the presence of someone who lived in that place.

This figure, portrayed by a performer, actively interacts with the audience, while an adaptive soundtrack accompanies and amplifies the intensity of the interaction. Thus, a connection is created between tangible reality and the visitor's imagination, immersing them in a suspended dimension between the past and the present.

The experience provides a subtly nostalgic aroma in the initial phase, evoking feelings of affection and longing, before evolving into a phase that generates a sense of restlessness and unease. In the finale, the observer finds themselves observing within the two-dimensional projection, becoming an integral part of it.

A special thanks to clarinetists Umberto Galante and Bruno Friolo, who lent their talent and mastery for recording the clarinet parts of the soundtrack.

Gallery

A person stands in a dark room, taking a photo of a projected image on the wall showing two people, with one playing a keyboard, and a text overlay that reads 'Mariapia Di Lecce and Antonello Tosto / La Petitie Chaise'.
Projection of a man with glasses gesturing with his hands, with a table and a book, in a dark room.
People sitting on the floor watching a movie projection on a wall in a dimly lit room, with vintage chairs and a table visible.
Two women and one man interacting with a projection on a wall, which shows a DJ and a table. The women are on either side of the man, with one woman holding her hands up and the other woman touching her forehead.
Visitors observing an art installation and video projection in a gallery space, with silhouettes against a large screen displaying an underwater scene.
A wall with a light bulb hanging from a wire, illuminating the surrounding area, with part of the wall in shadow.
A group of people sitting in a dark room watching a projected black and white film of a man at a desk with a chair and a lamp.
Installation artwork on a wall with a light bulb, consisting of wire outlines of a piece of bread and a small shelf below it.
An urban indoor scene with a polished floor reflecting a window with curtains, a small table with chairs, and a dark mat with white pillows on top.
An image of a small light bulb hanging on a wire, next to two wireframe chair models, on a dark granite floor with a wall in the background.
A woman standing in front of a large screen, interacting with a projected image of two men, with a chair and another chair with a floral pattern to the right, and a small table in the foreground.
A dimly lit room with a small lamp on the floor casting a soft glow, nearby are dark metal chairs around a table, and objects on the table including a remote control and papers.
A wall with a silver light switch panel and a black poster. The panel has a white label that says 'LA PETITE CHAISE' and a smaller label with 'Antonello Tosto Mariapia Di Lecce.' The poster features a white outline drawing of a chair and the words 'l
Wire sculpture of a chair with circular cutouts, hanging on a plain wall. Two metal hooks and a fork-shaped wire are also hanging from the ceiling.
An antique armchair with floral upholstery and wooden legs is positioned to the right on a green fabric backdrop with some overlapping drapery.
A tabletop architectural model of a small interior space with white walls and black flooring, furnished with miniature furniture including chairs, tables, and a rug.
A miniature dollhouse room with white walls, black flooring, and small furniture pieces including a table, chairs, and a little shelf, viewed from above.
A violin resting on a table with sheet music, with an upholstered armchair in the background. The scene has low lighting.