PUNTO SULL’ARTE

PUNTO SULL’ARTE is a reference gallery for contemporary figurative art, both Italian and international. With three exhibition spaces in Varese, it enjoys a strategic location just a few kilometers from Milan, the Swiss border, and Lake Maggiore. The gallery organizes at least seven exhibitions per year in its spaces and has been regularly participating in renowned Modern and Contemporary Art Fairs since 2012. It has always been committed to promoting contemporary painters and sculptors. Its curiosity and sensitivity toward developments in the global art scene have been, and continue to be, one of the keys to the gallery’s success. Today, it boasts an impressive portfolio of artists from all over the world. Nonetheless, the gallery remains strongly dedicated to discovering and promoting Italian artists with contemporary sensibilities and recognized quality.

Among the painters represented are the Italians Matteo Massagrande and Silvio Porzionato, the Slovenian Jernej Forbici, the American Brian Keith Stephens, the Chilean Federico Infante, and the Italian hyperrealists Valentina Diena, Sabrina Milazzo, Roberto Bernardi, and Ottorino De Lucchi. Among the sculptors, the gallery features internationally renowned artist Annalù, known for her intricate resin works, including the famous “Dreamcatcher” series. It also represents the talented Valeria Vaccaro, a master in working with Carrara white marble, and Norwegian artist Lene Kilde, who creates sculptures inspired by children’s emotions and personalities. Internationally recognized bronze sculptors include Italians Alex Pinna and Matteo Pugliese, as well as Japanese artist Kyoji Nagatani.

Under the leadership of Sofia Macchi, a Swedish native who settled in northern Italy in the 1990s, the gallery has maintained a clear and transparent approach, deciding early on to display the pricing of artworks both in the gallery spaces and at industry fairs. PUNTO SULL’ARTE has always placed great emphasis on digital channels, offering a comprehensive and detailed website, active engagement on major social networks, 3D virtual tours of the gallery and ongoing exhibitions, as well as online catalogs. The gallery is also present on the Artsy digital platform, one of the most important in the world, and has been a member of the National Association of Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries (ANGAMC) since 2012.

Here are the PUNTO SULL’ARTE artists who will take center stage at YouNique 2025:

Angelo Accardi

Alessandro Papetti

Matteo Massagrande

Roberto Bernardi

Silvio Porzionato

Valeria Vaccaro

ANGELO ACCARDI

Angelo Accardi is one of the most appreciated contemporary painters, known for his innovative and fresh art. A distinctive element of his creations is the presence of ostriches, animals that the artist places in surprising and unusual contexts, blending references to pop culture. This combination gives his works a unique character, making ostriches his true trademark. Accardi successfully renews the artistic language, creating a mix of playful and profound elements. His works not only capture the eye with their vibrant colors but also invite critical reflection on the contemporary world.

A central aspect of his production is the Misplaced series, where ostriches are depicted in unexpected spaces, such as museums or rooms, generating a disorienting effect. This placement prompts viewers to question the meaning of what is considered “out of place.” By replacing the human figure with ostriches, Accardi critiques the inability of many people to engage with art. When ostriches appear on city streets, the initial ambiguity of the scene becomes surprisingly familiar, humorously highlighting how easily humans can be substituted in everyday contexts.

Born in 1964 in Sapri, in the province of Salerno, Accardi began his artistic journey after a brief experience at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples. In the 1990s, he opened a personal studio in Sapri, where he developed his distinctive style. Since 2017, he has become a sought-after artist globally, gaining the attention of discerning collectors. Today, Angelo Accardi lives and works in Sapri, continuing to explore the world around him and inviting the public to look beyond appearances.

ALESSANDRO PAPETTI

Alessandro Papetti is a prominent contemporary artist known for his exploration of industrial archaeology. His research focuses on shipyards, places that tell stories of labor and abandonment. Papetti’s works are characterized by imposing dimensions and his ability to capture the essence of industrial ports. Through the representation of enormous hulls, the artist conveys a sense of grandeur and vulnerability, highlighting the fragility of structures that were once symbols of power. He has visited abandoned factories in Russia, and in 2012, he held a solo exhibition at the Museum of Architecture in Moscow, underscoring the significance of his work in the contemporary art scene. His ability to merge art and architecture, along with his focus on industrial history, makes Papetti’s work a valuable contribution to the reflection on cultural heritage.

Born in Milan in 1958, Papetti began his career in the 1980s, gaining attention through early exhibitions in the Italian art scene. Between 1988 and 1990, he created the series “Ritratti visti dall’alto”, drawing critical attention with an article by Giovanni Testori. In the 1990s, he evolved with the “Reperti” series, analyzing the forms and traces left by time in spaces such as studios and factories. Since 1992, he has been exploring industrial archaeology, culminating in an exhibition at the Civic Museums of Villa Manzoni in Lecco in 1996. In the new millennium, he introduced the “Acqua”series, depicting figures suspended in pools or about to immerse themselves in dark seas. The “Shipyards” became a central theme, with works dedicated to industrial ports. Papetti has participated in significant exhibitions, such as “Il disagio della pittura” in 2005 and the Venice Biennale in 2011. In recent years, he has exhibited at art fairs and collaborated with prestigious galleries.

ALEX PINNA

Alex Pinna is a renowned Italian sculptor whose works are loved and exhibited worldwide. His bronze creations feature slender figures that evoke a poetics similar to Giacometti, but with a lightness that softens the dark drama typical of his works. This approach gives his subjects a melancholic smile, making them immediately accessible and recognizable. Deeply passionate about comics and any artistic language that can communicate directly to the heart, Pinna’s delicate figures tell stories of humanity in balance, always in search of stability. The artist conveys emotions without resorting to elaborate facial expressions; instead, he captures the simple, thoughtful curve of a back or the tilting of a body in precarious situations. This stylistic choice leaves the viewer with a subtle sense of existential instability, inviting them to reflect on the fragility and complexity of the human experience.

Since 1993, Pinna has participated in successful solo and group exhibitions, regularly presenting his work at the most prestigious art fairs in Italy. Among the most recent exhibitions are “Sali” at Porto di Tropea (2020) and “Twixt Land & Sea: Tales” at Palazzo Bevilacqua Ariosti in Bologna during Arte Fiera (2018). His work has also been presented internationally in cities like Shanghai, Tel Aviv, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Monaco. Currently, some of his works are featured in the solo exhibition “Alex Pinna. Uncle Twin Exhibition. Agility and Power in Alex Pinna’s Work” at the Katara Art Centre in Doha. A professor of sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Catanzaro, Pinna’s works are part of private collections around the world.

ANNALÙ

Annalù is the creator of fiberglass sculptures sought after by galleries worldwide, from Dubai to Singapore and New York. Her works focus on the moment of transition between one state of matter and another, creating a dynamic balance reminiscent of alchemical science. Her artistic project breaks contemporary conventions; the oxymoron at the core of her poetics is evident in her work: sculptures that impose themselves in three dimensions yet appear liquid. Among her most well-known pieces are the “Dreamcatchers”, large wall sculptures inspired by dreamcatchers, made of paper butterflies or ginkgo leaves, coated in resin, and touched up with ink. Alongside the “Dreamcatchers,” Annalù has developed other extraordinary series: the “Fukinagashi”, trees whose branches are composed of countless butterflies, and the “Books”, works where books covered in gold, silver, or copper leaves are pierced by arrows, creating a liquid explosion. She has created works of all sizes, from 15×15 cm to monumental installations.

Born in San Donà di Piave (Venice) in 1976, Annalù graduated in 1999 from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. Her works have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Italy and abroad (United States, Dubai, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Russia). She participated in the Venice Biennale in 2001 and 2011, earning awards and mentions. In 2009, she was selected as the Italian representative at the Moya Museum in Vienna. Her works are displayed in Italian and international museums and are part of the permanent collections of the MACS in Catania and the MIM – Museum in Motion in Piacenza. In 2020, one of her sculptures was acquired by the German VAF Foundation. In 2024, Annalù was chosen by the furniture and design company Reflex to create two iconic pieces presented during Milan Design Week. She lives and works between Jesoloand Dubai.

JERNEJ FORBICI

The Slovenian artist Jernej Forbici tackles the issue of climate change with great intensity in his paintings, exploring the contrast between the natural beauty of his homeland and the devastating consequences of nearby heavy industries. His works capture breathtaking landscapes, while simultaneously exposing a compromised environment, inviting reflection on the human impact on nature. Despite these challenges, Forbici celebrates the resilience of nature, which continually demonstrates its ability to renew and regenerate.

Recently, he launched a new series titled “Auri Sacra Fames”, where he incorporates gold leaf for the first time, visually enriching his works and symbolizing the search for a balance between aesthetic value and environmental reality. This new artistic direction inspires profound contemplation on our relationship with the environment and the urgent need for its preservation.

Born in Maribor (Slovenia) in 1980, Forbici studied at the College for Visual Arts in Ljubljana and graduated with honors in Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. Since 1999, his works have been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and China. He has participated in major biennials, including the 51st and 53rd Venice Biennales. In 2009, the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice dedicated a retrospective to him, and in 2012, he received a scholarship from the Slovenian Ministry of Culture for a residency in London. His works are part of important public and private collections worldwide.

KIOJI NAGATANI

The bronze sculptures of the Japanese artist Kyoji Nagatani represent a fusion of dream, poetry, and art, offering an opportunity for critical reflection on contemporary aesthetics. His work stands out for its ability to evoke deep emotions through abstract forms, communicating a powerful and universal message. Nagatani explores various formats, from smaller sculptures to monumental works that challenge traditional dimensions. This versatility allows him to interact with spaces in innovative ways, inviting the viewer to engage in thoughtful and personal contemplation. His sculptures can be read as metaphors for time and nature, where the concepts of column, earth, sky, and windintertwine in a continuous dialogue. Each work becomes a starting point for exploring the relationship between humanity and the immaterial, between dream and reality. These key elements not only define Nagatani’s artistic language but also reflect his commitment to pondering the existential dynamics that surround us. Kyoji Nagatani’s sculptures are not merely works of art; they are true invitations to an inner journey, where dream and poetry merge to create a unique aesthetic experience.

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Kyoji Nagatani graduated from the University of the Arts in Tokyo and the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera in Milan. He has gained international recognition, with works in both private collections and museums. He has created monumental works such as the Monument for the Hachioji Municipal Theatre in Tokyo and “La Porta del Vento” for the Open Air Museum of Hakone. In Italy, notable works include “Il Seme” for the Scuola Edilein Bergamo and the “Porta della Memoria” in Chiesa in Valmalenco. Nagatani has participated in numerous group exhibitions and art fairs, presenting his work in prestigious settings. He continues to live and work between Italy and Japan, actively contributing to the contemporary art scene with his unique and innovative approach.

LENE KILDE

The Norwegian artist Lene Kilde is renowned for her figurative sculptures, which capture the essence of children’s emotions and personalities. According to Kilde, the body language of children represents the most authentic form of communication. Using concrete and wire mesh, she freezes every childlike pose, creating sculptures that feature hands and feet, while fragments of clothing are crafted with meticulous precision. Her often “incomplete” works invite viewers to fill in the visual gaps, stimulating their imagination and evoking childhood memories. Each sculpture, composed of “concrete, wire mesh, and air,” conveys a powerful sense of the subject’s character. Curious children are depicted on tiptoes, while shy ones appear in awkward stances with curled fingers. In contrast, adventurous children strike confident poses, with clenched fists and evocative props.

Born in Rælingen, near Oslo, in 1980, Lene Kilde has pursued a significant artistic journey. She studied at the Asker Art School and continued her training in sculpture at the Einar Granum School of Art in Oslo. In 2012, she earned a Master’s in Product Design from the Oslo and Akershus University College, later receiving a three-year grant from the Norwegian Arts Council. Kilde has exhibited her works in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe, Switzerland, the United States, Dubai, Lebanon, and Taiwan, participating in prestigious art fairs such as SCOPE Baseland SCOPE Miami. Since January 2022, she has been represented in Italy by Galleria PUNTO SULL’ARTE in Varese. Her sculptures are part of private collections worldwide, and a large installation has been acquired by NRK, Norway’s leading public broadcasting company. Lene Kilde currently lives and works in Sweden.

MATTEO MASSAGRANDE

Matteo Massagrande is one of the leading figures of new Italian figurative art. His paintings depict rooms filled with distant echoes, forgotten voices, memories, nostalgia, shadows, and mists—a past that refuses to be forgotten. These interiors are abandoned spaces, inhabited by one true protagonist: light. A soft, murky, dusty, and floating light that sometimes bursts dramatically through the enormous windows opening onto vast spring gardens, while other times it delicately seeps through cracks. This light inhabits the rooms, transforming their emptiness into an intense and vivid presence. As the artist himself says, “Absence is not the opposite of presence but rather a place without disturbances or distractions—a fundamental condition to uncover hidden essence.”

Born in Padua in 1959, Matteo Massagrande began exhibiting his works in 1973, participating in group shows and competitions throughout Italy, where he quickly gained recognition. To date, he has held over one hundred solo exhibitions in Italy and abroad, and some of his engravings have been included in the Prints and Drawings Cabinet of the Uffizi in Florence.

Recent notable exhibitions include the solo show “Canto dolente d’amore” (Last Day of Van Gogh) at the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza (2017), the exhibition “In My Room: Artists Paint the Interior 1950–NOW” at the Fralin Museum of Art in the United States (2018), and the show “Attorno a Van Gogh. Otto pittori e i colori della vita”accompanied by the catalog “Van Gogh i colori della vita” at the Centro San Gaetano in Padua. He also participated in the exhibition “Ungaretti Poeta e Soldato” (2024) at the Museo di Santa Chiara in Gorizia.

ROBERTO BERNARDI

The hyperrealist art of Roberto Bernardi, one of the most acclaimed masters worldwide. His works transform sweets into true visual sculptures, inviting reflection on the contemporary culture of consumption. His paintings, with their extraordinary details and brilliant reflections, resemble photographs, while his sculptures of macarons and Oreos are so realistic they seem to tantalize the palate.

Born in Todi in 1974, Bernardi honed his technique in Rome and Manhattan, participating in significant artistic projects. His art has been exhibited in prestigious museums such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, the Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao, the Kunsthal Museum in Rotterdam, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. He also took part in the Biennial of Contemporary Realism at the Fort Wayne Museum of Artin the United States.

Bernardi has held solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including “Hyperrealism in the Blanca and Borja Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection” at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in 2022, where one of his works was acquired for the collection. His pieces have been successfully auctioned by Sotheby’s and Phillips, achieving remarkable results.

SILVIO PORZIONATO

Silvio Porzionato is a figurative painter whose work focuses on the representation of the female figure. His portraits, created with large oils on canvas, break away from traditional norms, capturing the essence of women through street photography. Instead of depicting them in intimate settings, Porzionato emphasizes their inner strength and beauty through statuesque close-ups, highlighting not only their aesthetic but also the complexity of his subjects. Each painting becomes a journey into the female soul, with figures that appear alluring, dreamy, and determined, prompting reflection on themes of power, vulnerability, and representation. His art invites the viewer to explore the multidimensionality of women, creating a dialogue between the observer and his works.

Born in Moncalieri (TO) in 1971, Porzionato began his artistic journey after graduating from the Art High School. For a decade, he worked in design for a major company in Turin, but he felt the call of nature and Art, leading him to change his life and seek a deeper connection with his surroundings. He quickly gained recognition, winning awards and participating in prestigious events such as the Premio Arte Mondadori and the 54th Venice Biennale. In 2013, he created three installations titled Codice Temporale for the MACS (Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily) in Catania, producing 112 portraits that depict the changes in physical features over time. This visual journey invites the viewer to reflect on their past and future, much like gazing into a large mirror. In 2016, with the solo exhibition “It’s Life” in Chicago, he made a breakthrough in the U.S. figurative scene. His works have been showcased in influential galleries and participated in prestigious fairs in cities like Hong Kong, London, New York, and Miami.

VALERIA VACCARO

Valeria Vaccaro has developed a unique sculptural language where the monumentality of marble merges with profound themes of fragility and transience. Using the prized Carrara white marble, her works evoke the texture and aesthetics of wood, creating a captivating play of illusions. Sculptures like “Urban Platform” and “Handle With Care” initially appear as packing crates and pallets, everyday and commonplace objects. However, once touched, their true nature is revealed. This surprising transformation encourages deep reflection: while the eye perceives the familiarity of wood, the touch unveils the hardness and coldness of marble. Vaccaro invites the observer to explore the contradictions of modern life, where appearance and substance often clash, leaving an indelible mark on both the mind and heart.

Born in Turin in 1988, Valeria Vaccaro attended the Art High School and studied sculpture at the Albertina Academy of Fine Arts in Turin. Since 2005, she has regularly exhibited in both solo and group shows in Italy, France, Germany, England, and Montenegro, also participating in sector fairs. Between 2013 and 2015, she took part in the traveling European JCE Jeune Création Européenne Biennale. In 2015, she exhibited at Exhibit in Turin and at the Contemporary Art Museum of the Castle of Rivara. In 2017, during the Art Prize CBM, she won a special mentionfrom the city of Turin and was also among the winners of the ArTeam Cup 2017. In 2021, she was selected to exhibit some of her sculptures at the BAG Bocconi Art Gallery in Milan. In 2022, she won the Second Prize of the VAF Foundation IX Edition, recognized by the prestigious German foundation for promoting innovative positions in contemporary Italian art.