Sara Enrico: Exploring Materiality and Contemporary Sculpture

Sara Enrico (born 1979 in Biella, Italy; lives and works in Turin) is an Italian artist whose sculptural research delves into the profound relationship between materiality—that loaded term designating works that change the way we think about the physical aspects of art—and contemporary artistic practice. Her exploration extends beyond mere surface aesthetics, investigating how materials react to each other, mirroring shifts in form and color, and ultimately questioning our understanding of being itself. This inquisitive approach has cemented her reputation as a visionary artist who challenges conventional notions of representation and pushes boundaries within the realm of sculpture.

• Early Life & Education: Enrico’s artistic journey began at Accademia di Belle Arti in Turin, where she honed her skills and developed a foundational understanding of painting techniques. Subsequently, she pursued further studies at the Istituto Spinelli in Florence, specializing in the restoration of ancient paintings and frescoes—a discipline that instilled within her meticulous observation and an appreciation for historical context.
• Residencies & Collaborations: Enrico’s artistic development has been enriched by participation in prestigious residencies, including those at Fondazione Spinola Banna per l’Arte in Poirino with Jason Dodge and Raimundas Malašauskas (2015), fostering cross-cultural dialogue and expanding her creative horizons. Notably, she collaborated with Ernesto Michahelles (Thayaht) during the Advanced Course in Visual Arts at Fondazione Antonio Ratti in Como, absorbing influences from his pioneering explorations of form and materiality.
• Exhibitions & Recognition: Enrico’s artistic endeavors have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, culminating in the New York Prize in 2017 and the Menabrea Art Prize in the same year. Her work has been showcased internationally, establishing her presence within the global art scene. Furthermore, she received the grant of the IV edition of Italian Council competiton promoted by Directorate-General for Contemporary Art and Architecture and Urban Peripheries (DGAAP) in 2017.
• Notable Projects & Artistic Style: Enrico’s artistic style is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, blending techniques from tailoring, choreography and architecture—a testament to her multidisciplinary approach. She combines materials such as concrete, pigment, fabric and steel, experimenting with transformations that articulate a fluid relationship between body, clothing and space. Her explorations delve into concepts of transition and decay, mirroring the evolving nature of artistic expression.
• Recent Achievements & Future Directions: Sara Enrico’s work gained international recognition at Venice Biennale in 2022 where “Milk Dreams” was presented. She is represented by vistamare gallery in Milan / pescara. Her ongoing research continues to investigate how materiality changes and how contemporary sculpture can redefine our perception of art, pushing boundaries and fostering dialogue between artistic practice and the natural landscape.

The Jumpsuit Theme

Sara Enrico’s sculptural research revolves around notions of materiality and corporeality—a profound engagement with the physical realm that distinguishes her artistic vision. Her exploration extends beyond surface aesthetics, investigating how materials react to each other, mirroring shifts in form and color, and ultimately questioning our understanding of being itself. This inquisitive approach has cemented her reputation as a visionary artist who challenges conventional notions of representation and pushes boundaries within the realm of sculpture.

• Conceptual Framework: Enrico’s work engages with the philosophical implications of materiality—a conversation that began centuries ago and continues to inspire artists today. She examines how materials influence artistic propositions of being, shape, color, erosion and manufacture, recognizing their inherent vitality and fostering a connection to the tangible world.
• Technique & Materials: Enrico skillfully combines techniques from tailoring, choreography and architecture—a testament to her multidisciplinary approach. She integrates materials such as concrete, pigment, fabric and steel, experimenting with transformations that articulate a fluid relationship between body, clothing and space.
• Influences & Inspirations: Her artistic style draws inspiration from figures like Ernesto Michahelles (Thayaht), whose pioneering explorations of form and materiality paved the way for Enrico’s own investigations into sculptural language. She references the groundbreaking work of Thayaht and Madeleine Vionnet, recognizing their contributions to fashion revolution and women's emancipation.
• Notable Projects: Among her significant projects are *Mirroring*, created in collaboration with the Battaglia Artistic Foundry in Milan, where she explored lost wax casting techniques and experimented with combining different materials—a process that yielded innovative sculptural forms. Her work has been showcased at Fondazione GAM in Turin and MART Museo di arte moderna e contemporanea

Sara Enrico: Materiality and Contemporary Sculpture - Trebuchet

“Materiality—that loaded term designating works that change the way we think about the physical aspects of art. We’re sometimes blind to the personalities of paint, stone, or canvas, or what constitutes the being of painting and sculpture. However, artists like Sara Enrico open our eyes to these relationships.”

• Exploring Tactile Experience: Enrico's artistic practice prioritizes tactile experience—a deliberate engagement with the physical qualities of materials that informs her sculptural explorations.
• Formal Dialogue & Transformation: Her work investigates how materials react to each other, mirroring shifts in form and color, fostering a dialogue between disparate elements and prompting reflection on their inherent dynamism.

Sara Enrico – ***Under The Sun, Beyond The Skin***

“Her multidisciplinary approach integrates techniques from tailoring, choreography and architecture—a testament to her multidisciplinary approach.”

• Site-Specific Installation: Enrico’s *Under The Sun, Beyond The Skin* project was conceived for Fondazione Furla and GAM – Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Milano, transforming the Villa Reale gardens into an environment of observation and interaction with her sculptures.

Recent Exhibitions & Recognition

Sara Enrico's artistic achievements have garnered international acclaim and numerous awards.

• Venice Biennale 2022: Her work “Milk Dreams” was presented at Venice Biennale in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in her career.

Representation

Sara Enrico is represented by vistamare gallery in Milan / pescara.