The first one-person exhibition in Los Angeles by the Italian-American sculptor Bruno Lucchesi. Long celebrated for his mastery of the human form, Lucchesi combines the great tradition of Italian sculpture with insightful observations of contemporary life.
NEW SCULPTURE
Los Angeles, California  On December 12, Forum Gallery will present the
first one-person exhibition in Los Angeles by the Italian-American sculptor
Bruno Lucchesi. Long celebrated for his mastery of the human form, Lucchesi
combines the great tradition of Italian sculpture with insightful
observations of contemporary life. New Sculpture will consist of over
twenty unique terra cotta and editioned figurative bronze works. The
timeless beauty and resilient inner life in Lucchesi¹s figures is evident in
every work. New Sculpture will present, for the first time, twelve new
studio works as well as the maquettes for Lucchesi¹s recently-completed
monumental commission, Spring of Achievement, executed over a sever-year
period for Spring Industries in Fort Mills, North Carolina.
Bruno Lucchesi was born in the village of Lucca, Italy, in 1926. His early
exposure to the extraordinary sculpture of the Italian Renaissance, seen in
churches throughout Italy, formed the genesis of his artistic vision. He
studied the human form, apprenticed as a carver and modeler, and came to
America in 1960 to pursue a career as a sculptor. His works are thoroughly
imbued with the passion for everyday life he observed in his native Italy
and in his adopted home, America. The vigorous flowing forms of his
sculpture are reminiscent of the Baroque tradition, his graceful nudes have
allegiances to eighteenth and nineteenth century Romantic and Neoclassical
sculpture, and his ³street people² look to the realism of Daumier.
Forum Gallery has exhibited Bruno Lucchesi¹s work since 1961 and has
presented ten one-person exhibitions. His works are included in public
collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of
American Art, Hishhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum,
as well as in many others. Lucchesi has been the recipient of the
Guggenheim Fellowship Award and has won Gold Medals from the National
Sculpture Society and National Academy of Design. He also holds Honorary
Doctorate Degrees from Cedar Crest College and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.
In conjunction with this exhibition, we celebrate the publication of a new
monograph, Bruno Lucchesi, published by Ruder Finn Press. The 336-page
illustrated book features many new monumental pieces as well as individual
sculpture and major commissions. It is divided into six sections: Single
Figures, Groups, Children, Monuments, Nudes and Lovers. With text and
photographs by renowned photographer David Finn, included are fourteen color
and 376 black and white images. Paperbound books are priced at $25.00 and a
hardcover edition is available for $65.00
Bruno Lucchesi: New Sculpture opens with a reception on December 12, 2003
from 6:00-8:00 pm, and will be on view through January 31, 2004.
Hours: Tuesday  Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Image: Bruno Lucchesi, Rocking Chair, 1980, terracotta bas relief, 30 x 24 inches.
Forum Gallery
8069 Beverly Blvd. (at Crescent Heights Blvd.), Los Angeles, California
90046
Contact: Niccolò Brooker and Vanessa Rizzo
Telephone: (323) 655-1550, Fax: (323) 655-1565