A Moment with Michelangelo Pistoletto: Art, Mirrors, and Meaning at Frieze
Meeting Michelangelo Pistoletto at Frieze London on October 15, 2015, was an extraordinary encounter with one of the living legends of contemporary art. As I approached his installation, I was immediately struck by the energy in the room. Pistoletto’s presence commanded attention, but it was his warmth and willingness to engage with admirers that made the experience unforgettable.
In our conversation, he spoke passionately about his life’s work and the vision behind his “Third Paradise” symbol. He described it as a way to reconcile the world of nature and technology, merging them into a balanced coexistence. Hearing him explain it in person added a profound layer to the concept. Pistoletto expressed a deep hope that art could be a vehicle for change, promoting a sustainable future while honoring humanity’s interconnectedness with the environment.
His Mirror Paintings were also on display at Frieze, and he shared insights into how these works reflect his belief in the viewer’s active role in art. As he explained, “Art must engage; it must provoke you to see yourself within it and to reflect on your place in the world.” Standing next to him while looking into one of his mirrors, I felt that sense of inclusion, as if he were inviting everyone in the room to participate in a shared reality.
Meeting Pistoletto was a reminder of the transformative power of art and the responsibility artists carry. His work is more than just visually compelling; it is a call to action, urging us to consider how we interact with the world around us. Leaving Frieze that day, I felt inspired, not only by his art but by his genuine conviction that art has the power to shape a better, more conscious world.
