BOOK:Jannis Kounellis-Phaidon Publications

The monograph on one of the most important artists of the twentieth century – a key figure in Arte Povera. With 120 pages and 160 illustrations, the book “Jannis Kounellis” by Phaidon Publications that will be shipped from 12/10/18, is the final, most comprehensive book ever made by Greek-born Jannis Kounellis, one of the key artists in the Arte Povera Movement. In 1968 Fabio Sargentini invited Pino Pascali to exhibit in his Rome gallery “L’Attico”. Tragically, Pascali was killed in a motorcycle accident before the exhibition was staged, and Jannis Kounellis was asked to take his place. Kounellis’s exhibition was daringly unconventional, consisting of a dozen live horses tethered to the gallery walls. Hugely popular with critics and the public alike, “Untitled (12 Horses)” became legendary, encapsulating the idea that art could be made from anything and didn’t have to be commercially viable. The exhibition is widely regarded as marking the birth of Arte Povera. After this exhibition Kounellis went on to include diverse materials in his work, including fire, earth, gold, wood, and charcoal, quickly establishing himself as one of the most innovative sculptors of our time. Writings by the artist and a collection of tributes from people who have known and worked with him over the years, such as Pierre Audi, David Hammons, Gloria Moure, Giulio Paolini, Vassili Vassilikos, and many others, are included.–Dimitris Lempesis