Mimmo Paladino’s ‘The Sleepers’ Arrive at Palazzo Citterio in Milan
Milan, May 15 – Mimmo Paladino’s evocative sculpture series, The Sleepers (I Dormienti), has been unveiled at Palazzo Citterio in Milan, offering visitors a profound and immersive experience. The exhibition, which runs until July 26, showcases 32 terracotta sculptures and provides a unique glimpse into the artist’s early creative journey with the inclusion of 15 previously unseen drawings.
At first glance, the inert figures of The Sleepers might evoke images of the inhabitants of Pompeii and Herculaneum, caught in their slumber by the eruption of Vesuvius. However, Paladino’s inspiration stems from a more recent historical context: the drawings made by sculptor Henry Moore in British wartime shelters during World War II, depicting huddled figures seemingly asleep and dreaming, oblivious to danger.
A Hypnotic Dialogue with Architecture
Within the dramatic, brutalist hypogeum of the Sala Stirling at Palazzo Citterio, the sculptures’ meaning becomes open to interpretation. Silent and motionless, like actors on a theatrical stage, The Sleepers appear in a semi-darkness, creating an almost enchanted atmosphere. They engage in a hypnotic dialogue with the architecture that hosts them, inviting visitors to move freely through the space, pausing for reflection and meditation.
The exhibition’s sonic landscape, orchestrated by Brian Eno, contributes to this immersive experience. Eno’s soundscape was originally created for the historic installation at London’s Roundhouse in 1999, a year after the work’s absolute debut. This collaboration enhances the profound impact of Paladino’s work, drawing viewers deeper into the contemplative world of The Sleepers.
An Evolving Spectacle: The Journey of ‘The Sleepers’
Since their initial presentation, The Sleepers have traveled across Italy and around the world, creating a new spectacle each time. The 32 terracotta sculptures, all originating from the same mold, are assembled and arranged differently in relation to the specific venue. This ongoing exploration of space and architecture has been a hallmark of Paladino’s work since the 1970s.
The Milanese exhibition, curated by Lorenzo Madaro and organized by La Grande Brera in collaboration with the Paladino Archive, offers an additional layer of insight. Adjacent to the Sala Stirling, a hidden room, described as a
