Monica Piloni obsesses over the human form. Her surreal sculptures, whether unsettling hollow faces or eerie dolls, explore the figure in a deeply personal way. Born out of her time at Escola de Música e Belas Artes do Paraná, Piloni’s journey with the body as subject is both liberating and deeply personal.
The Brazilian artist describes her pursuit of the human form as a break from internal desires, a captivating study of flesh and being. Her years at the academy deepened this fascination, and she recalls her education as simultaneously enriching and disturbing. While most students moved away from the human figure, Piloni clung to it, a choice that seemed beyond her control.
Innovative Approaches and Surreal Sculptures
Initially exploring classic sculpting materials like bronze and marble, Piloni evolved to using accessible resources like fiberglass, resin, wood, and leather. Her art begins with pre-production sketches and models before advancing through construction and material selection. Each piece is a fusion of precision and surprise, merging tactile construction with surreal intent. Her surreal sculptures are crafted to evoke deep, sometimes unsettling reflections on the observer.
For Piloni, living in São Paulo—a city teeming with 20 million residents—serves as a mere backdrop for her work. Though she remarks on how the city embraced her, she emphasizes that geography plays a minor role, while art itself is her moving force. Surreal sculptures by Piloni transcend their physical locations, drawing viewers into their bizarre yet captivating narratives.
The Disturbing Allure of “Ilegais”
Piloni’s works balance allure and disturbance, with her “Ilegais” series exemplifying this tension. These sculptures initially appear as traditional dolls, yet upon closer inspection, reveal unsettling truths—such as faces replaced with hair-covered tripods. This deceptive quality invites prolonged viewer engagement, a central goal for Piloni.
Her creations often feature manipulated forms that invite discourse on identity and eroticism. A poised “Ballerina,” fragmented into boxed limbs, embodies her unique narrative, encouraging viewers to engage and question as they navigate around the piece. Her surreal sculptures pull the viewer into a dialogue about form and intent, weaving complexity into each encounter.
A Reflection on Artistic Process
Since 2011, Piloni has also explored video and photography, incorporating her sculptures in these formats. However, unlike sculpture, these media constrain viewer freedom, focusing attention only where she intends. This shift between mediums signifies Piloni’s adaptability and willingness to explore narrative control.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Piloni acknowledges its slow, deliberate progression. Each finished work presents new challenges, expanding her inquiry rather than providing answers. Recognizing her place in the world, she has learned to appreciate collaboration and support within the artistic community.
Recognizing her place in the world, she has learned to appreciate collaboration and support within the artistic community. Rogan Brown’s Coral Reef Sculptures challenge perceptions through nature-inspired themes.
This exploration of raw forms, grounded in deep personal and philosophical inquiry, defines Monica Piloni as a distinctive voice in contemporary art. Her surreal sculptures continue to pose questions, challenging perceptions and engaging viewers within her unsettling yet mesmerizing world.
*This article originally appeared in Hi-Fructose issue 42 which is sold out. Get our latest issue by subscribing to Hi-Fructose here.
Source: hifructose.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials does Monica Piloni use for her sculptures?
Monica Piloni uses accessible resources like fiberglass, resin, wood, and leather for her sculptures. Initially, she explored classic sculpting materials such as bronze and marble before evolving her choice of materials.
What is unique about Piloni’s “Ilegais” series?
Piloni’s “Ilegais” series features sculptures that initially appear as traditional dolls but reveal unsettling truths on closer inspection. These sculptures have deceptive qualities, like faces replaced with hair-covered tripods, inviting prolonged viewer engagement.
How does Piloni’s geography influence her art?
For Monica Piloni, geography plays a minor role in her work. Although she remarks on how São Paulo embraced her, she emphasizes that art itself is her moving force, transcending its physical locations.