These hard-bodied men emerging from bare, white walls are the works of Milan-based artist Matteo Pugliese. The most apparent and impressive aesthetic choice that Pugliese has chosen in this series entitled Extra Moenia is the decision to present his sculptures in fragments.
A bent knee opens the opportunity to represent one whole form in at least two pieces. It is the spectator’s mind that makes up the limbs and other body parts that aren’t visible. The body movements and configurations are equally intriguing, especially those that are contorted and reflect muscle tension.
In 1995 Matteo Pugliese was awarded his degree in Modern literature at the University of Milan with a graduation thesis on Art criticism.
Encouraged by friends, in 2001 he organised and financed his first solo exhibition renting private exhibition space in the center of Milan. Only 18 months later he held his first “official” exhibition in a gallery in Brera, Milan, and after a few months he held a solo show in Brussels.
Symbolic silver plated bronze Matteo sculptures signify a power which shows that these fighters are falling-out from side to side the original surface. In various cases, it isn’t easy to say whether the sculptures are emerging out of the upright place or dipping into a white pool. It’s an interesting to think about them that are they unbreakable or being consumed.