Remember the tale of "The Emperor's New Clothes"? A cunning pair of weavers convince an emperor that they can make him a suit of clothes invisible to anyone unfit for their position. The emperor parades around in his "new clothes," and everyone pretends to see them until a child blurts out the truth. Fast forward to today, and it seems history has repeated itself in the art world. But this time, the emperor is an art collector, and the invisible clothes are a sculpture by a contemporary Italian artist. Intrigued? You should be. This story is just getting started...
This unprecedented event took place on the 18th of May of 2021 at Art-Rite, an Italian auction house. “Io Sono” (which translates to “I Am”) an "intangible sculpture to be placed in a private residence in a place free of encumbrances" was offered to the pubic. Yes, you read that right. This “immaterial sculpture” doesn’t exist in the physical sense. The work, or abscence of it, included a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist Salvatore Garau. The document states that the work occupies a space of 150 x 150 cm, free of any obstructions, as per the artist’s instructions.
The auction began with a "modest" estimate of €6,000 to €9,000. However, the bids quickly escalated as collectors vied for the chance to own this unique piece of conceptual art. The final price tag? A cool €14,820 about $18,000 in USD. The lucky buyer received the certificate of authenticity and a set of installation instructions, ensuring that the invisible sculpture is displayed correctly in their home.
Garau, born in Sardinia, Italy in 1953, challenges the very definition of art. He argues that his sculpture is a "vacuum," a space full of energy, and that it exists in the mind of the viewer. He explains that the work is "made of air, but its form is a thought". This concept isn't entirely new; it echoes the ideas of Dadaism and the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. But in today's digital age, where virtual reality and NFTs are becoming mainstream, Garau's invisible sculpture feels particularly relevant.
So, is it art? That’s a question only you can answer. Some argue that it’s a clever commentary on the art world, where perception and value can be as intangible as the sculpture itself. Others see it as a blatant hoax, a way to capitalize on the hype surrounding contemporary art. As we ponder the significance of Garau's invisible sculpture, it's worth reflecting on the broader context of art history. Art isn't just about what we see, but also about what we feel and imagine. Garau's work, though controversial, invites us to question our perceptions and the value we place on physical objects.
So, what do you think? Is Garau's invisible sculpture a groundbreaking piece of conceptual art or just an elaborate prank? Either way, it has certainly made its mark on the art world.
