Legend of the Pianistas
The Art, Artifacts and History of a Curious People
The Art, Artifacts and History of a Curious People
An Exhibit of Piano Sculpture and Other Objects by
Michael R. Frassinelli
Michael R. Frassinelli
January 28 to March 7, 2008
Opening Reception
Thursday, January 31
6 to 8:30 pm
Press: Metrowest Daily News
Artist's Statement
My work has changed in style and substance over the years to include painting and sculpture, masks, works on paper, canvas, and wood; using found objects and motors, feathers and concrete; work that has been welded, carved, sketched, written, videotaped and burned. What remains in all is an interest in the substance and meaning of objects, mechanisms and materials, and an underlying sense of humor.
My work has changed in style and substance over the years to include painting and sculpture, masks, works on paper, canvas, and wood; using found objects and motors, feathers and concrete; work that has been welded, carved, sketched, written, videotaped and burned. What remains in all is an interest in the substance and meaning of objects, mechanisms and materials, and an underlying sense of humor.
My recent work centers around sculptures made from old piano parts. While making these objects a story emerged of a fictional tribe known as the Pianistas. The objects function as artifacts from this lost culture that used piano parts for all their basic needs, creating tools, ceremonial objects, masks, musical instruments, shelter, weapons and other items, in much the same way tribes from the Great Plains utilized the buffalo. The original purpose for these objects, how they are described by art historians and anthropologists, and what happened to these objects over the course of history is all part of the storyline, which continues to evolve. The objects, materials and documentation are exhibited in a Natural History Museum format.
Biography
Artist Michael Frassinelli got his BFA in Art from the University of Connecticut. He has worked on Nantucket, MA as a staff member of Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts; as Set-Designer in Residence and mask-maker for the Shotgun Players theatre company in Berkeley, California; and taught theatre design at the Lick-Wilmerding School in San Francisco. His work has previously been shown in galleries on Nantucket, in California and Connecticut and more recently around the Boston area, including the New Art Center in Newton, The Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham, and Elm Park in Worcester. He was recently listed in the MetroWest Daily News’ “Year in Review” issue as one of the 10 best in Arts and Entertainment for 2008. Michael lives in Holliston with his wife and two children, and teaches art and design at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he is also Director of the Dana Art Gallery.
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