Paper Planes Ascend Beyond Childhood Dreams
Milan, Istanbul, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Miami… not merely a list of some of our favorite destinations around the world, but also an impressive array of cities where contemporary artist Daniele Sigalot has had his intriguing installations featured.
We have been fans of Sigalot's creative work for years, and are fascinated by the free-spirited way in which his art incorporates “paper planes,” as well his truth on the inevitable, indelible mark that travel leaves on us all.
Daniele Sigalot's works are featured in private collections and have been celebrated in exhibits around the world. Notable installation locations include Royal Palace in Caserta, Royal Palace in Napoli, Doge’s Palace in Genoa, Triennale in Milan, and at the MOAD in Miami, as well as prestigious art galleries worldwide. Most recently, Sigalot has added Milan Malpensa Airport to his vast list of featured venues.
International Jet Interiors spoke with our featured artist from his home in Naples about his art, planes, and travel. Aviation lovers and art enthusiasts alike will find Sigalot's installations uplifting and leave you dreaming as to where your next flight may take you.
Q: Your “paper planes” installations are incredible! What was your inspiration for this series?
A: The paper planes series comes from the desire to give the center of attention to the simplest possible object. We’ve have all done a paper planes in our lives, and to put it in a gallery, or a museum, where you’d expect to see sophisticated and elaborated artworks, it’s a game I enjoy very much. In all my works I seek contrast. And in this series not only is there is a strong one between the simplicity of the object and the complexity of the art world, but there is also the contrast between the fragile and ephemeral appearance, and the actual solidity and strength of the essence, given the paper plane is actually made of metal.
Q: What are the planes crafted from and how long does it typically take you to complete one of your works of art?
A: The planes are either made of aluminum, or stainless steel. A big installation with 300 or 400 planes takes one full month to be crafted.
Q: What’s the furthest your “fleet of planes” has flown?
A: Luckily they have flown in all continents, as they have landed in private collection from Sydney to New York, London to Cape Town, Hong Kong to Tokyo. Not to mention that in 2014 Fendi chose the paper planes series to launch its new collection. So more than 4000 planes flew in 32 different cities all over the world, to fill the flagship stores of the Italian fashion powerhouse.
Q: When did you realize your passion for art and creating?
A: I have always had a thing for imagination, yet I never wanted to be an artist. It was an accident. I literally fell into the art world. Yet instead of climbing back my way out, I started digging to find an exit. And I am still digging…
Q: What’s next on your professional bucket list?
A: I’d like to take a shot at a performative act. I already have something in mind, involving more than 200 extras.
Q: Our clients come from around the world - where can they see your installations?
A: I work with galleries in Germany, Italy, USA, Turkey, and France. And I am sure all your clients are familiar with the art circus that takes place in Miami in December. That’s always a good place to meet new friends.
Q: Working in private aviation gives us a unique opportunity to experience influences from around the world. Whether through our relationships with clients or our vast exposure to local traditions while travelling, we continuously elevate our craft and vision as a result of all we absorb during these interactions. Your latest installation at Milan's Malpensa Airport, "A portrait of everyone, everywhere" resonates with us in such a tremendous way. Share details of your latest endeavor and your inspiration behind it!
A: Recently installed at the Milan Malpensa Airport, the installation entitled “A portrait of everyone, everywhere” is a circle of 35 meters with 12 huge maps of 12 cities engraved on sheets of stainless steel. The topography of those cities (Rome, New York, Moscow, Istanbul, Milan, London, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Beijing, Berlin, Barcelona and Sydney) completely transforms the bodies and faces of those who will stop and stand by them. Having changed 6 cities in my life, I found out that each city was also changing me, transforming me constantly, and I wanted to turn this thought into an artworks, as we are all who we are because of the places where we were born and raised. And the easiest way to achieve it, was to engrave the streets of a city on a reflective surface, and then allow people to just add their faces. The portraits that come out are pretty incredible, and they are all unique and once-off!
Q: Share what’s at the top of your “must see” list in Naples & Berlin!
A: Well, Naples is so beautiful that your eyes will hurt after a day walking around. But apart from all the very well known attraction, I suggest a lunch on the beach at Capo Miseno, where you can have great food with the incredible view of the island of Procida and Ischia so that it makes you wanna swim there. Also a visit to my studio in the very city center is always a good idea. As for Berlin, definitively a drink at the Club Der Visionare, and a party at Wilde Renate.
Q: International Jet Interiors' tagline is “Experience Something Extraordinary.” As an artist, what does this mean to you?
A: Well, that claim sums up pretty much the hope every artist has for its artworks - that they’ll trigger some whole new experience!