A relationship between past and present through sculptures that challenge conventions and transform classical architecture into a contemporary reflection on human consciousness
Carpenters Workshop Gallery and the Vincenzo De Cotiis Gallery present the exhibition Archaeology of Consciousness, continuing the body of work previously showcased in London. The exhibition, held at Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 1A in Milan, explores the theme of consciousness through a contemporary reimagining of classical architectural forms, with a particular focus on arches.
Arches, a recurring symbol in De Cotiis’ work, are fundamental elements of historical architecture. The artist, through a process of deconstruction and reinterpretation, challenges the ancient connotations associated with these structures, offering new perspectives on a millennia-old theme. The sculptures, made from rare materials such as marble, Murano glass, and recycled fibreglass, emerge from a process of reclamation, transforming these iconic forms into timeless entities.
In this exhibition, De Cotiis presents a series of contemporary sculptures inspired by ancient arches, creating works that not only celebrate strength and triumph but also wear and decay. These “archaeological relics of the future” evoke a dialogue between past and future, suggesting a vision where nature has modified and reinterpreted human creations.
The works from the Baroquisme series, displayed alongside these new sculptures, reinforce the idea of modern ruins—artifacts that bear witness to the passage of time and the beauty found in ageing and transformation. The exhibition, with its wide range of works, blurs the boundaries between art, architecture, and design. De Cotiis’ sculptures, with their combination of materials such as rare stone and Murano glass, evoke the natural process of metamorphic rock formation, blending natural forces with human interventions. This nature-like approach culminates in works that reflect an intrinsic beauty in decay and wear.
A key element of the exhibition is the freestanding arch, which serves not only as a spatial threshold but also as a temporal one. De Cotiis deliberately distorts the form of the arch, inviting visitors to reflect on time and its effects on objects. “By focusing on arches, a clear symbol of strength and protection, I wanted to show that even the most solid structures change over time. The sculptures, made from materials such as rare, ancient stone, recycled fibreglass, and Murano glass, symbolise a vision of future archaeology, where the marks of nature and human interventions intertwine,” explains the artist.
The title Archaeology of Consciousness suggests a deep reflection on both tangible and intangible environments, engaging visitors on a sensory and intellectual level. The “consciousness” evoked by the title reflects De Cotiis’ journey through history, rediscovering and projecting classical elements into modern concepts. The artist employs his interdisciplinary approach to merge sculpture, architecture, and functional art, creating spaces that are not only functional but become immersive sensory experiences.
In this exhibition, De Cotiis demonstrates his mastery in subverting expectations, challenging traditional meanings, and distorting familiar forms to explore the resilience and fragility of structures over time. The sculptures, with their deliberate and marked surfaces, leave traces that serve as a creative narrative, contributing to a broader story of time, decay, and transformation.
Archaeology of Consciousness by Vincenzo De Cotiis is an exhibition that invites reflection on the enduring beauty of time and the interaction between past and present. With its unique combination of materials and forms, the exhibition offers visitors a profound aesthetic and intellectual experience, transforming the concept of architecture and sculpture into a journey through the archaeology of consciousness.
