A Sculptor of Liminal Spaces: The World of Cleo Fariselli
Cleo Fariselli, born in Cesenatico, Italy, in 1982, is an artist whose work exists at the delicate intersection of sculpture, performance, and sensory experience. Her practice isn’t about creating objects so much as it is about conjuring atmospheres—immersive environments that invite contemplation on the body, perception, and the often-unseen forces that shape our reality. Fariselli's artistic journey began with a foundation in fine arts at the Academy of Brera in Milan (BFA, 2007), but her exploration quickly transcended traditional boundaries, leading her to develop a unique visual language rooted in the liminal—the threshold between states, the space of transition and potential. She currently lives and works in Turin, Italy, a city that seems to resonate with the quiet intensity of her investigations.
Early Influences and Conceptual Foundations
Fariselli’s work isn't easily categorized within a single artistic movement; rather, it draws upon a diverse range of influences. A fascination with phenomenology—the study of experience as lived—is palpable in her installations. She seems to be asking not just what we see, but *how* we see, and how the very act of perception alters the subject being perceived. Early explorations involved conceptual art practices, challenging conventional notions of form and materiality. However, a crucial shift occurred with her embrace of the body as both medium and message. This wasn’t merely about self-representation; it was about using the physical form to explore themes of vulnerability, transformation, and the inherent instability of identity. The recurring motifs in her work—looking and being seen, the body as landscape, femininity, and water—emerged organically from this deeply personal investigation.
Materiality and Process: From Conceptualism to Ceramic
While Fariselli’s conceptual roots remain evident, her recent work is particularly striking for its engagement with materiality. She has increasingly focused on raku ceramic, a technique known for its unpredictable firing process and the resulting textures and glazes. This choice isn't accidental. Raku allows for a level of chance and imperfection that mirrors the fluidity and impermanence she explores thematically. The artist often casts anatomical parts of her own body—a hip, a shoulder, an ear—creating fragmented forms that are both hauntingly familiar and strangely alien. These aren’t idealized representations; they are marked by roughness, irregularity, and a sense of absence. As Fariselli herself has noted, the resulting voids are not signs of lack but rather “alternative spaces” brimming with potential for relational paths and imaginative interpretations. The metallic glazes—shimmering golds, rusts, and iridescent blues—further enhance this sense of transformation, evoking the oyster’s patient creation of pearl-like surfaces.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Fariselli's work has garnered significant attention in recent years, with exhibitions at prominent institutions both in Italy and abroad. She was a recipient of the prestigious Italian Council production grant (2021-2022), enabling her to realize *YOUR STORM / OUR DEW*, a multi-site project that unfolded across various locations including Almanac Inn (Turin), Almanac Projects (London), Morpho (Antwerp), and the Museo d'Arte Moderna in Bologna. Her solo exhibitions at Lucie Fontaine, Milan (2008) and Giuseppe Iannaccone collection, Milan (2019) established her as a compelling voice within the contemporary art landscape. Participation in group shows such as *Breaking Water* at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati (2022), and installations at GNAM - Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna (Rome, 2021) and Palazzo Fortuny (Venice, 2017 & 2018) have further solidified her reputation. Her work was also featured in a Google Arts & Culture story, bringing her unique vision to a wider audience.
Historical Significance and Artistic Legacy
Cleo Fariselli’s contribution lies in her ability to create art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. In an era often dominated by spectacle and instant gratification, she offers a counterpoint—a space for quiet contemplation, sensory immersion, and the exploration of inner landscapes. Her work challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the body, perception, and the liminal spaces that exist between states of being. She doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, she invites us to embrace ambiguity, vulnerability, and the transformative power of the unknown. Her sculptures are not merely objects to be viewed but rather portals to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Fariselli's legacy will likely reside in her ability to bridge conceptual rigor with visceral experience, creating art that lingers long after one has left its presence—a testament to the enduring power of sensory exploration and the evocative potential of the liminal realm.
