In a tribute to one of Italy’s most celebrated painters, the Galleria Mattia De Luca has brought a rare collection of 60 works by Giorgio Morandi to New York City, marking the 60th anniversary of his death. Hosted in a newly renovated 19th-century townhouse on East 63rd Street, this exhibition, titled “Giorgio Morandi – Time Suspended II,” offers an intimate experience of Morandi’s meditative still lifes, etchings, watercolors, and drawings.
A Haven for Morandi’s Quiet Brilliance
The setting is as tranquil as the works themselves, with wooden floors, white walls, and brick fireplaces enhancing the viewing experience. The exhibition, running until November 27, 2024, follows the success of “Time Suspended I” in Rome and has been curated by Mattia De Luca in collaboration with Marilena Pasquali, director of the Giorgio Morandi Study Center in Bologna. Visitors have the rare opportunity to see 48 paintings, five etchings, four watercolors, and select drawings, some of which have never before been displayed in New York.
Morandi: The Artist’s Artist
Renowned for his quiet, contemplative approach to art, Morandi’s paintings often capture the stillness of simple objects—bottles, vases, boxes—arranged with precision and painted with subdued colors. His unique ability to imbue these mundane items with emotion and depth has inspired a range of artists, including Philip Guston, Louise Nevelson, and Joseph Cornell. Morandi’s works are celebrated not just for their technical prowess but for the serenity and introspection they evoke.
A Rare Encounter with Morandi’s World
This exhibition is a rare opportunity for art lovers in New York. Most of Morandi’s works reside in private collections or museums, rarely appearing on the market. As Mattia De Luca notes, “Owners are attached to the work, and you rarely see any Morandi for sale, only minor works.” Yet, standing in front of a Morandi painting offers a unique, meditative experience. His use of brushstrokes, warm pastel tones, and mastery of light create a quiet beauty that compels viewers to linger and reflect.
A Journey Through Time
The exhibition traces the evolution of Morandi’s artistry, from his early works to the final years of his life. The last room, featuring a striking 1960 still life, reflects the culmination of Morandi’s lifelong exploration of form and space. As Mattia De Luca explains, “In his later works, you can feel his soul. His strokes become looser, the colors more blurred, as if he is fading away.”
For those seeking a deeper connection with art, “Giorgio Morandi – Time Suspended II” offers an unparalleled look into the delicate, enduring legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.
