Sift the Horizon

Emmanuele De Ruvo’s research is characterized by the constant search for equilibrium in a world that is so clearly off balance. He investigates theories of Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton in order to build his “precariously balanced” sculptures. His powerful works attract the viewer with calculated traction, magnetic force and plain physical balance acts. They pose questions rather than give answers, but the quest for equilibrium is manifested in all his projects. De Ruvo works with a great variety of material, including precious marble, magnets, metals, wood, paper and readymade objects. The artist uses most of the physical laws in his works, such as gravity, compression, traction and magnetism. A good example is the work “Concinnitas” in which he uses an A4 sized sheet of paper weighing 80 gram to hold up a piece of Carrara marble of the same size, 16000 times heavier than the paper itself, using the proportion of the golden section. This work has been acquired for the permanent collection of the Musma Museum. The perfect equilibrium or balance, while not belonging to this world, represents its greater aspiration and desire and is the only functionalist means in the attainment of the limit. The most important thing is not the destination, but the journey itself, the only source of knowledge and learning and fuel for spiritual growth. Thus, De Ruvo’s works invite contemplation of both worlds — the physical as well as the metaphysical.