Discover in Film | Explore ESSENTIA

E X H I B I T I O N

Etruscan and Contemporary Art in dialogue

DISCOVER IN FILM: ELEANOR LAKELIN AND THE ETRUSCAN ART IN THE "ESSENTIA" EXHIBITION

Few weeks left to visit ESSENTIA, the third and final edition of the triennial exhibition program Timeless Encounters 2022 - 2024, promoted by KALPA Galleries and the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum of Volterra. In the evocative historical interiors of Palazzo dei Priori in Volterra, the sculpture in wood of British artist ELEANOR LAKELIN (1960), on show in Italy for the first time, and the archeological finds from the Museum explore the true essence of matter and indulge in its infinite ramifications and transformations.

Discover the exhibition in a short film:

Delving into multiple possibilities of encounter, this curated body of vessels, amphoras and urns amazes visitors and presents itself with timeless splendor.

From micro to macro, the selected objects explore the dual function of matter: skin and container, exterior and interior. According to the Etruscans, vessels of various forms could house spirits in their cavities of all kinds and otherworldly meanings, alongside their daily functions. Lakelin's works take up this idea and go beyond it, leading the art object to surrender its material integrity, crumbling the surface and allowing the essence to pour out.

ESSENTIA introduces a selection of sculptures from Lakelin’s ongoing iconic series Echoes of Amphora, which witnesses the artist’s deep understanding of the material of wood. The series was initiated from the exploration of the peculiarities of the horse chestnut burr, resulting in iconic and unique forms that encompass a chaotic and primordial spirit.

Working only with trees that are native to Britain, felled due to decay, Lakelin studied sculpture, design and woodworking techniques at Guildhall University in London and West Dean College in Sussex. Her works are part of prestigious public and private collections, including the V&A, London; the MAD, New York; the National Museum, Norway; and the Mint Museum of Craft and Design. The artist has received numerous awards and commendations, including the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize Finalist in 2022, the QEST Scholarship in 2018 and the British Wood Awards in 2017.