Contemplatio

Mazzoleni presents Contemplatio, the first London solo exhibition in almost a decade by contemporary Italian artist Andrea Francolino. Open from 5 June to 12 September, the exhibition offers a sanctuary for reflection, inviting visitors to contemplate the beauty found in both human and earthly imperfections.

In Contemplatio, the artist invites viewers to rediscover two fundamental conditions for engaging deeply with art and its manifestation: contemplation and inspiration. Contemplation – through stillness and reflection – allows us to see beyond surface appearances, while inspiration transforms perception into generation. In an era driven by speed and performance, these concepts are elusive, Contemplatio thus urges us to pause, reflect and embrace the profound messages that emerge from these fractures, both in the world around us and within ourselves.

Central to the exhibition, a striking 24k gold crack, made in Turin in 2022, embodies the show’s core theme: imperfection as a source of reflection, transformation and meaning. Through highlighting the crack with gold, the artist does not suggest that the crack should be closed or repaired. On the contrary, it must remain open and never be concealed. As such, this evocative work serves as a threshold to infinite possibilities. Exploring themes of human and ecological connectivity, a floor-based work invites visitors to physically engage with the piece by stepping onto it, leaving their own imprint. Over time, these traces accumulate, turning the artwork into an evolving narrative – an ever-changing record of shared experiences and personal reflections.