MACHAS

“The Traveling Landscape” by Agostino Iacurci is now open at the Pacific Design Center in L.A.

Following his highly acclaimed immersive installation, “Dry Days, Tropical Nights,” showcased at Salone del Mobile earlier this year, Agostino Iacurci now takes over the Pacific Design Center Gallery in Los Angeles with his latest solo exhibition titled “The Traveling Landscape.”

Continuing his exploration of botanical themes, Iacurci masterfully converts the gallery’s interiors into a vibrant oasis populated by palm trees. “I’ve been using palm trees as a subject for my paintings for a long time, but never thinking of the location. I’ve always been approaching them as a more symbolic object”, he shares. “I first came to L.A. several years ago, and of course, I became super fascinated by the landscape. So when the opportunity to do this project came up, I thought it was the perfect place to show palm trees.”

This new body of work traverses a rich cultural spectrum, spanning from ancient to Post-Modern eras. It delves into the multifaceted symbolism of the palm tree, representing its cultural and mythological significance, as well as its role as a poignant symbol of colonial history and the industrial exploitation of nature. Iacurci also portrays the palm tree as a timeless and adaptable traveler, capable of thriving in diverse environments. He elucidates, “There are several reasons why I am interested in the palm tree. The first is personal, in that they are very common in my hometown, Foggia. Most of them were torn down by the Second World War bombings, but few survived, and they were an important part of my childhood. The second is that palm trees have been traveling and colonizing the entire world, across borders and even across time.”

The exhibition’s basement showcases a series of works on paper, each presenting an array of palm tree shapes and silhouettes in varying colours. In contrast, the upper floor transforms into a viewing platform adorned with palm trees and columns reminiscent of cloisters, monastery courtyards, or Mediterranean villas. Large-scale paintings featuring palms and potted cacti are thoughtfully interspersed amidst the palm murals, playing with an array of shapes and colours.

Inspired by cycloramas, those grand panoramic paintings that gained popularity in the 19th century, typically featuring historical, mythological, or natural landscapes, as well as technological advancements, “The Traveling Landscape” reimagines and reinvigorates this art form for the contemporary audience.

With “The Traveling Landscape”, Iacurci creates a place of beauty and contemplation, a visual reverie for the crisis-ridden Anthropocene. The exhibition is on view from 28 September 2023 to 12 January 2024.

See more of Iacurci’s work here.