LONDON.- Halcyon Gallery opened Italian artist Stefano Curto’s first major solo exhibition in the UK, Stardust. Fascinated by the power of light, Curto uses thousands of hand-crafted crystal gems to produce a unique and mesmerising body of work. In doing so, the works offer a moment of respite from the uncertainty of the everyday and encourage questions to be raised about the universe and the meaning of existence.

“I want to create art that can spread a universal message which will make us aware of the causes and effects of our every action,” Stefano Curto.

Stardust is a clear depiction of Curto’s meticulous attention to detail. His works contain an average of 60,000 individually placed bespoke crystals, which capture and reflect light, instantly captivating the viewer and drawing them in to his magical world. Curto carefully handsets each crystal, a method which demands concentration, determination and patience - attributes developed by the artist on his many journeys around the world, specifically in India and Mongolia where he has spent much time.

Curto often embarks on his travels alone. It is in ultimate solitude that he accesses his innermost thoughts and can question the wonders and beauty of the universe. Stardust is a result of this mystical process and his works encourage the viewer to explore their own spirituality and contemplate the cosmos.

“I have always loved to attract viewers to my art, with the light which gives meaning to my work, and lead them on a journey that explores the human soul, even in its most terrifying essence,” Stefano Curto

Curto is also deeply influenced by his birthplace Segusino, near Venice. Italian history and culture and the Old Masters that adorn Venice have left their mark on him as well as Venice’s magnificent architecture – for example it could be said that the structure and composition of the works in Stardust echo the stained-glass windows of Italian gothic churches.

“Standing in front of a Canaletto and observing in detail the vestiges of the past of that spectacular city or looking at the paradise of Tintoretto and his wonderful, mystical visionary inspirations, has motivated my artistic vocation,” Stefano Curto

Stefano Curto’s first solo show, Trama Lucente, was exhibited at Scoletta Battioro e Tiraoro de Venezia, Italy, in 2010 and a year later, his work THE MARVELLOUS FLIGHT OF CO-EXISTENCE was selected to be exhibited at the Venice Biennale 2011. Since then his works have been included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, The Pontifical Collection in The Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy and prominent private collections worldwide.

‘We are extremely proud to introduce Stefano Curto to the UK and international public. This is an incredible opportunity to view a powerful body of work and gain insight into the artist’s creative mind,’ Paul Green