Armonia (2022) explores the delicate balance between chaos and order that defines both natural systems and human experience. Created in the months following Meraviglia (2022)'s Venice presentation, Stefano Contiero turns his attention from wonder and perception toward the more fundamental question of how disparate elements find their way into harmony. The collection’s six carefully selected works emerge from extended walks through countryside landscapes, where the artist observed how every element of nature, each following its own rhythm, somehow coalesces into perfect equilibrium.
The inspiration came from encountering herman de vries’ “from under a sassafras tree. midland park,” a work that captures nature’s multiplicity within apparent chaos. This encounter sparked Contiero’s own investigation into how algorithmic systems might mirror natural harmony through energetic, gestural mark-making that recalls Hans Hartung’s controlled spontaneity, where gesture emerges from systematic constraint. Custom Processing code generates compositions where explosive brushstrokes create energetic chromatic territories that appear chaotic yet maintain underlying harmonic relationships.
Armonia achieved particular significance through its dialogue with conceptual art traditions. Premiered at Arte Fiera Bologna through Cortesi Gallery, the work was presented in direct dialogue with de vries’ piece, creating a conversation between systematic approaches to capturing natural harmony across different generations and media.
The collection’s intimate scale, just six outputs, reflects Contiero’s belief that true harmony emerges through careful attention rather than overwhelming abundance. Each piece embodies what the artist describes as “looking with your heart,” suggesting that the most profound aesthetic experiences arise when we attune ourselves to the subtle frequencies that connect all things. This gestural balance transforms into exuberant celebration in Abbondanza (2023), while the philosophy permeates the meditative approaches of Battito (2023) and the collaborative sensibilities of Finale (2024), establishing harmony as a recurring theme in Contiero’s evolving practice.