PRESS RELEASE
Manuel Bonfanti presents his new exhibition “In the Middle of Now-Where” in Prague
THE DESIGN Gallery will host the artist’s solo exhibition from October 18 2024 to January 31 2025.
The exhibition, curated by Romana Drdová, is with the support of the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Prague.
Vernissage on October 17, at 6:00 PM, at THE DESIGN (Havelská 14, Prague)

October 15, 2024 – From October 18, 2024, to January 31, 2025, artist Manuel Bonfanti will showcase his new solo exhibition, In the Middle of Now-Where, at THE DESIGN in Prague. This gallery, shop, and café, located in the heart of the Bohemian capital, is a prominent venue for promoting contemporary Czech art. The solo exhibition is conceptually linked to Bonfanti’s ongoing exhibition in Venice at the European Cultural Centre, where his twenty-square-meter canvas In the Middle of Now-Where is on display until November 24 as part of the group show Personal Structures – Beyond Boundaries, coinciding with the Venice Biennale of contemporary art.

The exhibition at THE DESIGN is supported by the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Prague. Bonfanti’s connection to Prague and the Italian Embassy dates back to 2013, when he presented The Landscape Beyond the Crisis at the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague. This marked a key phase in the development of his visual art.

In the Middle of Now-Where invites viewers into mystical landscapes and meditative spaces, where time seems suspended and matter becomes a vehicle for deep emotion. The “Air Space” series, which includes preparatory canvases for the infinite blue In the Middle of Now-Where shown in Venice, delves into the roots of color, focusing on primary shades (blue, yellow, and red), yet expanding into a spectrum of nuances and chromatic exceptions. The gallery will feature 30 canvases, as well as a 2-meter-tall sculpture made from composite aluminum, the same material used for colossal parabolic antennas up to 70 meters in diameter. This interaction with materials amplifies Bonfanti’s artistic expression into a third dimension with a high-tech edge.

The exhibition, curated by Romana Drdová, an artist and finalist for the Jindřich Chalupecký Award, reflects her broader exploration of the relationship between physical and digital realities. Drdová works across various media, including sculpture, installation, and photography, examining themes of perception, space, and the influence of technology on human interaction. As a curator, she seeks to find a connection between contemporary art and design, making her an ideal choice for this exhibition, which encourages viewers to engage with immersive, contemplative spaces.

The initiative is supported by Aedificante Onlus, a cultural initiative founded by Bergamo entrepreneur Giuseppe Taramelli and his wife Stefania Gambirasio (Taramelli Srl, a company specializing in building restoration with projects from China to England). Cospal Composites Spa of Ambivere, a leading company in the design and manufacture of aluminum structures, is also providing support.

Opening Event: Thursday, October 17, at 6:00 PM
THE DESIGN Gallery (Havelská 14, Prague)
Attending:

●        Manuel Bonfanti, artist

●        Romana Drdová, artist and curator

●        Olga Rühle, THE DESIGN Gallery owner

●        Mauro Marsili, Ambassador of the Italian Republic in Prague

About the Artist
Born in Bergamo in 1974, Manuel Bonfanti is renowned for his unique style, which blends visible and invisible dimensions, exploring space, light, and spirituality. His large-scale works evoke a Zen-like serenity, creating a continuous dialogue between abstraction and animism. Bonfanti has exhibited in prestigious institutions, including the National Cultural Center of Kazan during the Year of Friendship between Italy and Russia, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague.

https://www.manuelbonfanti.com/

About  THE DESIGN
THE DESIGN in Prague is a gallery and design shop showcasing ceramics, jewelry, and fashion accessories by Czech designers. With a café and various exhibitions, it is a vibrant hub for contemporary art and culture in the Czech capital.

For more information:
Website: www.thedesign.cz
Email: info@thedesign.cz