Introducing Our New Artist: Giovanni Gelmi at Folly and Muse

We are delighted to introduce Giovanni Gelmi, a remarkable sculptor and painter from Seraing, Belgium, as the newest addition to the Folly and Muse Art Gallery. Gelmi’s artistic journey is a fascinating blend of industrial craftsmanship and creative exploration, making his work truly one of a kind. Known for his metal sculptures and abstract paintings, his art reflects a deep connection to both his industrial past and a passion for geometric abstraction.

Gelmi’s career began in the world of industry, where he worked as a welder at Cockerill before transitioning into teaching welding at the Forem in Namur. However, his love for art led him to pursue eight years of training at the Academy of Fine Arts of Namur, where he honed his skills in geometric abstract painting. His early works, characterised by bold primary colours, raw brushstrokes, and textured materials, gave way to a new focus, metal sculpture.

A pivotal moment came when Nicolas Delcour, president of the now-defunct “Art et Acier” association, challenged Gelmi to create a steel knot, sparking his passion for creating sculptures out of corten steel. This challenge led Gelmi to explore the fusion of industrial material with artistic expression, resulting in captivating sculptures that play with space and form. His works have gained recognition both locally and internationally, reflecting his unique ability to merge technical precision with artistic innovation.

At Folly and Muse, we are excited to present some of Giovanni Gelmi’s sculptures which will undoubtedly inspire.

Come visit our website follyandmuse.com to discover more!