Sabrina Vitali in collaboration with Monde

In 2019, Paris-based sculptor Sabrina Vitali enjoyed a six-month artistic residency at Renato Menegatti (now Monde), creating a set of striking works that revolve around the theme of metal and the transformation of bodies.

Sabrina Vitali spent six months working closely with the artisans at Renato Menegatti (now Monde) in Villaverla, northern Italy, a leading manufacturer of metal parts for luxury goods. Upending the conventional perception of metal as a cold and lifeless material, Vitali saw its potential for softness and fluidity, which she explored through a series of experiments to study how the physical transformations and evolution of a body can allow it to express new sensations. "Metal is often used for its strength, as a structural or mechanical element," she explains. "I wanted to discover its organic essence, its fragility, flexibility, transparency and depth – its carnal and sensual dimension." The 37 beautiful and delicate works that emerged showcase a material that, in the hands of the right artist, can be full of life and movement.