The Sale of an “Immaterial Sculpture”

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

You may recall hearing a strange story coming out of the art world this summer. Trust me, I know that is a loaded sentence. The art world thrives on strange stories and you may be thinking, “What are those crazy artists up to now?!” This particular strange story was about an Italian artist who auctioned off his “immaterial sculpture” for about $18,000.

What exactly is an “immaterial sculpture” you might ask? Well, to put it bluntly… it is invisible.

*pause for laughter*

Salvatore Garau’s “immaterial sculpture” is titled Lo Sono which translates to “I am” in English. The new (anonymous) owner of said artwork was given a certificate of authenticity and very specific display instructions that include reserving a five by five-foot space for the sculpture.

I must admit… this story really inspired me.

I was desperately trying to decide what my costume for Halloween would be this year and then it hit me!

So, here is my Halloween costume as Lo Sono by artist Salvatore Garau…

As you know, I have been recreating works of art from throughout history for the past 18 months as part of my #CovidClassics series. However, this was my most difficult project yet. It took quite a long time to learn how to become invisible, much longer than expected, in fact. That’s why I have placed two photos of my Halloween costume side-by-side. In the photo on the right, I have my eyes open, so you know it’s me.

*pause for laughter*

For more info on Salvatore Garau’s “immaterial sculpture,” please check out the following links…

An Italian Artist Auctioned Off an ‘Invisible Sculpture’ for $18,300. It’s Made Literally of Nothing

https://www.complex.com/style/artist-salvatore-garau-sells-invisible-sculpture-for-over-18-thousand-dollars

8 thoughts on “The Sale of an “Immaterial Sculpture””

  3. This is so funny! Love your lashes! Do we all need to chip in to get a psychiatrist to study the “art world” to see why someone would buy an invisible work of art (also why create it and sell it for $18,300 with no shame). Always love how you keep us from taking things too seriously! Makes learning SO fun!

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  4. Adrienne made me realize I have many “invisible art” pieces that I can auction because they are in my mind & not made of any physical properties! Best halloween costume & Adrienne is winner of “curators’ award” for best pumpkin art submitted to Polk Museum of Art Lakeland FL!!!

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The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.