Fratelli
2026 VENICE ART BIENNAL
Shared ascent. Shared force.
Statement.
In Fratelli, the sculptural form develops from a relationship of proximity and interdependence. Two animal figures, represented as hammerhead sharks, emerge in a unified configuration that brings distinct identities into relation within a shared structure.
The heads, defined by their archetypal morphology and mirrored surfaces, come into direct contact, creating a point of connection that orients the composition and determines its balance.
The verticality of the work emphasises development and continuity. The upward movement appears as the result of a joint progression, in which each element contributes to the stability and direction of the other, transforming the fraternal bond into a structural principle.
The reflective surfaces expand the perceptual field of the work, integrating the surrounding space and the viewer into the composition. Reflection does not fragment the image but extends it, suggesting that identity is shaped through relationships and exchanges. In this sense, the gaze of the other becomes an active part of the process of constructing the work.
The choice of the animal form introduces a symbolic dimension that resonates across cultures and historical contexts. The hammerhead shark, associated with strength, orientation and environmental perception, becomes a metaphor for growth within a shared condition. The fraternal relationship is presented not as opposition but as dynamic coexistence, capable of generating balance and mutual support.
In Viglino’s practice, characterised by the use of industrial materials and reflective surfaces in dialogue with public and architectural contexts, Fratelli reflects on relationship as a generative force, suggesting that growth and movement emerge through shared strength rather than solitary assertion.
Unfolding Horizon
Shaw & Partners
The world in motion.
Statement.
"Unfolding Horizons" explores the idea of connection in an increasingly interconnected world. The sculpture presents the globe not as a fixed object, but as a dynamic symbol of movement, exchange and shared experience. Its ability to rotate invites a sense of continual discovery, reflecting the way relationships, cultures and opportunities evolve over time.
The contrast between the polished continents and the darkened oceans creates a dialogue between presence and possibility. The mirrored surfaces capture fragments of the surrounding environment, allowing the work to change with light, weather and the movement of people around it. In this way, the sculpture becomes both a reflection of its setting and a reflection on our place within a larger global landscape.
Anchored by a solid marble base, the work balances permanence with motion. It speaks to the importance of stability while embracing curiosity, openness and exploration. "Unfolding Horizons" celebrates the connections that unite us across distance and reminds us that every horizon offers the potential for new perspectives and shared futures.
Silver Petals
Edition of 30
Renewal. Resilience. Reflection.
Statement.
"Silver Petals" draws inspiration from the frangipani flower, a form long associated with renewal, beauty and endurance. Enlarged to a monumental scale and rendered in polished stainless steel, the sculpture transforms a familiar natural element into a contemporary symbol of resilience and growth.
The mirrored surface reflects the changing environment, capturing light, movement and the presence of those who encounter it. These shifting reflections ensure that the work is never static, creating an ongoing dialogue between the sculpture, its setting and the wider community.
While the flower appears delicate, its form embodies remarkable strength. This contrast between apparent fragility and lasting endurance lies at the centre of the work. "Silver Petals" celebrates the idea that openness and adaptability are qualities that enable growth, connection and renewal. It is a reflection on the beauty of change and the strength that emerges through embracing it.
50 Valleys
Kheir House
Strength. Movement. Perspective.
Statement.
"50 Valleys" is a contemporary interpretation of the horse, a form that has long represented endurance, freedom and the enduring connection between humanity and nature. Through fifty precisely fabricated steel layers, the sculpture reimagines this familiar subject as a study of space, rhythm and perception.
Rather than presenting a solid figure, the work allows the form to emerge through a sequence of parallel contours. Light, shadow and the surrounding landscape become active elements within the sculpture, continually altering its appearance and revealing new perspectives from every angle.
Mounted on a solid Red Teak hardwood plinth, the work brings together industrial precision and natural warmth. This relationship between material, form and environment lies at the heart of the sculpture. "50 Valleys" reflects on the coexistence of strength and grace, permanence and change, creating a work that is both grounded and dynamic, familiar and unexpected.
