4 February - 14 March 2009
CRISP LONDON LOS ANGELES presents the UK and US solo debut of Italian artist, NICO VASCELLARI.

VASCELLARI’s project-based practice investigates myths, apocalyptic folklores, moral darknesses, underground cultures and nature. Stemming from this visceral performance (hard)core comes a residue of sculptures, photography, video and sound installations.

VASCELLARI will create site-specific installations, stemming from his recent exhibition at the MAN Museum of Nuoro in Sardinia, Italy. This museum project focused on the local myths of the Mammuthones, ancient anonymous folk figures who performed pagan rituals in darker times. Its finale featured the entire installation being carried in procession by Mammuthones and burned in the square of the town.
From those ashes, these new works arise.

For London and Los Angeles, both exhibitions will include photos and collages taken during the procession’s burning, now framed along the gallery walls in burned wooden structures. Sculptures are comprised of candles carried on found branches, props used for his initial private performances in the forests outside his studio. The branches were then cast in aluminum. These aluminum objects will burn candles on top - the same candles used while Vascellari developed the body of work for both cities - the only light for the exhibitions, in an otherwise darkened space.

…while the fog seems to be dropping from the mountains, the sound for this image is a song called ‘Crypts of Somnambulance’ by the band, Moss. –Nico Vascellari