Layers of Time

"I believe that nothing can be more abstract, more unreal, than what we actually see. We know that all we can see of the objective world, as human beings, never really exists as we see and understand it. Matter exists, of course, but has no intrinsic meaning of its own, such as the meaning we attach to it." —Giorgio Morandi Nahmad Projects is pleased to bring together works by Giorgio Morandi (1890-1964), renowned for his meticulous exploration of form and composition, alongside the vibrant and sensual paintings of Alexis Ralaivao (b. 1991). Morandi's oeuvre, characterised by its restrained palette and masterful use of light and shadow, invites viewers into a world of quiet contemplation. Through his timeless still lifes, Morandi transforms mundane objects into symbols of deeper human experience, prompting reflection on the nature of existence itself. His compositions, meticulously arranged and imbued with a sense of serene tranquility, draw viewers into moments of introspection, inviting them to contemplate the beauty of simplicity and the passage of time. In contrast, Ralaivao's paintings burst with energy and sensuality, capturing fleeting moments of intimacy and anticipation. His bold use of colour and dynamic compositions infuse his works with a palpable sense of life, inviting viewers to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination. Each brushstroke, executed with precision, creates a visual narrative that is as captivating as it is immersive. Whilst each artist is unique in his formal approach, their works share a profound reverence for the subtleties of everyday objects and a commitment to exploring the essence of perception itself. Morandi's compositions, reminiscent of studio photography, evoke a sense of familial assembly akin to a wedding portrait, where each object plays a vital role in the overall composition. In contrast, Ralaivao's works reflect the influence of contemporary mobile phone photography, capturing moments with immediacy and spontaneity, where the camera becomes an active participant in the act of creation. In addition to their shared values and interests, Ralaivao spent three months in Bologna to paint ahead of this exhibition. Immersing himself fully in Morandi’s world, Ralaivao embraced the slow-paced lifestyle, sun-soaked architecture of the city, and regularly visited Morandi’s home studio where his brushes, pots, and pigments have all been left in place, waiting to inhabit another artwork. Together, Morandi and Ralaivao weave a narrative that transcends the constraints of a single frame, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of still life compositions. Born nearly a century apart, this exhibition reveals the shared differences between two artists, across generations, finding themselves in the same city, and united by a common bond: their unwavering dedication to the art of painting. Their juxtaposition offers a rich tapestry of visual dialogue, where tradition meets innovation, and the past converges with the present in a celebration of artistic excellence. “Both Ralaivao and Morandi are reductive artists, their language is quiet, the tone of their paintings cool, and it feels quite fitting that this exhibition should be a closely selected one. It offers a tantalising starter, and leaves me wanting more.” —Paul Coldwell

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2 Cork St, W1S 3LB

London, NY