Ugo Nespolo: “Michele: A Dreamer with a Purpose”
The name of Ugo Nespolo shines brightly in the world of Italian contemporary art. Born in 1941 in Mosso Santa Maria, in Biella, his artistic journey has transcended conventional boundaries, seamlessly weaving between mediums and contexts. Renowned for his vibrant works spanning from painting to sculpture, design, and installations, Nespolo breathes life into the ordinary, infusing everyday existence with lively poetry. His multifaceted approach to art has earned him praise and admiration, earning him the title of “total artist” or, as some describe him, “artist-man.”
Through his work, Nespolo not only challenges artistic norms but also invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the world around them.
He collaborated with Michele Chiarlo on the Art Park La Court and was the author of the label for La Court Vigna Veja Nizza Docg Riserva; today, he is working on new projects – the Cannubi Path and a solo exhibition at Palás Cerequio.
As an artist, I’ve always believed that art should not be confined within gallery walls or in history books. It should pulse through the veins of everyday life, intertwining with the very fabric of existence. Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to try and work with people who share this vision with me: Michele was one of them.
I met him during the tenth anniversary of the Art Park La Court, the open-air museum nestled among the vineyards, conceived by him and his family over twenty years ago. He asked me to collaborate with a piece; I was immediately struck by his manner, sensitivity, and incredible vision, character traits that radiated from every fiber of his being. His profound insight and cultural acuity were evident in the palpable depth of his humanity.
Our partnership, which started back then with the conception of the “Porta Artistica” in the vineyards and is still thriving to this day, was a chance for me to get to know a person whom I’ve grown to deeply admire over time.
Michele was a concrete dreamer, a dreamer with a purpose, capable of pushing beyond the bounds of imagination and putting even the boldest ideas into practice. His pragmatism complemented his fervent vision, transforming daring dreams into tangible achievements. I remember his insatiable curiosity, the fuel for his inexhaustible creative and entrepreneurial strength, which propelled his company to revolutionary heights in the world of wine.
He was a free spirit, whose openness I immediately felt an affinity with. His sensitivity knew no geographical or cultural boundaries; on the contrary, he found joy and enrichment in dialogue with different cultures and in the confrontation with different perspectives.
Despite his deep love for his roots and heritage, Michele always had his sights set on a broader horizon, constantly seeking to learn and draw inspiration from people, places, experiences. It was this character trait that truly fueled his remarkable success and revolutionary impact in the world of wine, not just in Piedmont but all throughout Italy. Michele had a unique knack for transcending personal or regional boundaries, always eager to explore and share his knowledge and insights.
He was an avid storyteller, and a great listener: his respect for the people he worked with shone through in every interaction. In our years of collaboration, he always showed remarkable openness to all contributions and personal expression.
Our last time together was amidst of his beloved vineyards, in Cannubi. As we wandered the paths among the rows, Michele shared his vision for what would become Cannubi Path, a project that would breathe new life into this cherished piece of land. His desire to leave a lasting mark was palpable: he wanted to transform a space frequented by many into an immersive artistic experience. Through art, Michele wanted to convey the love and reverence he held for those hills; his idea to adorn the vineyard with works of art wasn’t just an aesthetic endeavour, but it was a heartfelt tribute to the land.
The unveiling of the Cannubi Path is slated for the summer of 2024 – Michele, and his vision, will always be with us.