Yvan LOZZI Pestalozzi - Sculptor
. Wire Fantasies
I normally make my small filigree objects d'art by brazing together wire and sheet-metal: materials that allow me "to draw in space" as it were.
Creative activity is usually inspired by an ironical play on words such as "Kick-up-the-Arse Machine" and "Titillatrix". I sometimes deal with a particular topic: the soap-bubble machines for instance.
The transformation of any particular manifestation of our own foibles and frustations into a motif takes place almost spontaneously in a humorously satiric manner - though never with injurious intent. Very few of my wire sculptures start off as a drawing. I simply go into action with the idea and a reasonably clear mind's eye picture that I endeavour to translate into a physical entity. For hours, days, or even weeks at a time, I bend, braze, crop, extend and reduce my materials. Sometimes I have to start again from scratch to obtain the one and only configuration that really satisfies me. The evolving mobile requires constant revision to match the improvisation of the mechanical motion sequences.
Depression Decompressor Depression Decompressor, 1982
Wire and sheet-metal mobile, 75cm high

A depressive state of mind is a serious affliction and it is not my intention to poke fun at it with this machine. I can only surmise just how difficult it must be to obtain release from an illness-related condition when, once in a while, I am overcome by a momentary feeling of dejection.

But perhaps the light-hearted hustle and bustle of this apparatus - it starts up at the touch of a button - will cheer up an unhappy person for a moment or two; just long enough to allow a ray of light to penetrate the dark recesses of a troubled mind.

Start the machine by pressing the red button.
An uplifting melody is played, a bird  hops out and chirrups, soap bubbles pour forth, a red rose emerges from a chimney, a pressure indicator races from "sad" to "cheerful" and finally, as a sign of released tension, steam is puffed from a exhaust pipe.
Dream of Flight Dream of Flight, 1995
Wire, tin/lead alloy,
48cm high

The bird imprisoned in a flying cage is a symbol of unfulfilled dreams and wishes - of unlived life.


There are more wire fantasies, horologic sculptures, polaroid mobiles, space skeletons, candle and telephone sculptures etc. in LOZZI'S PICTUREBOOK.

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