Stefano Bombardieri is one of the most interesting artists on the global contemporary art scene. Born in Brescia in 1962, the artist has gained recognition thanks to the numerous monumental works he has installed throughout Europe: Bologna, Potsdam, Saint-Tropez, Brescia, and many other locations. In Piazza della Vittoria in Brescia, Stefano Bombardieri's hometown, a monumental interpretation of "suspended time" is on display. This work, charged with ambiguity and mystery, invites viewers to reflect on the ephemeral nature of time and how our perception of it shapes life and interpersonal relationships.
The Lombard sculptor opts for materials such as polystyrene and resin, which offer remarkable flexibility and lightness. These characteristics allow him to create monumental works at reduced costs, especially in terms of transport and weight management, without compromising the artistic quality and expressive power of his sculptures.
Bombardieri's expressive language intertwines philosophical themes and environmental issues. But what were his sources of inspiration? His first sculpture was inspired by a scene from Federico Fellini's film "And the Ship Sails On." The image of a rhinoceros, sick of love and transported by a crane onto an ocean liner, illuminates the artist's artistic journey.
The artist transforms philosophical concepts into concrete forms. His artistic research is an intelligent reflection on the perception of time. Many of his works seem to question the relationship between the nature of time and our perception of it. "The Weight of Suspended Time" represents an internal state that manifests itself at certain times in life.
Crocodiles, rhinos, elephants, and whales are the true protagonists of his works. These animals convey themes related to the use of natural resources and environmental destruction, becoming symbols of the fragile balance between humanity and nature.
Stefano Bombardieri stands out as an artist and philosopher who, through his visual language, invites the viewer to reflect on existence, the dilemmas of contemporary life, and the need to protect the environment. A prime example is the work in which the iconic rhinoceros is depicted being transported alongside barrels of oil: here, the rhinoceros, a symbol of strength and vulnerability, is crushed and submerged, expressing the weight of modern obligations and the devastating impact of industrial activity on our planet.
Bombardieri's works, therefore, stimulate a profound meditation on the relationship between the perception of time, the human condition, and current environmental challenges.
