STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN, a design and art gallery in New York harbouring contemporary, limited edition and collectible designs, unveils its inaugural solo exhibition: a coming together of classical forms and contemporary ingenuity. For the show, gallerists Nacho Polo and Robert Onuska chose an artist who has been foundational to the gallery - Francesco Balzano.

Titled INIZIO, which means“to start”, the exhibition explores our perception of place, origin and absence through two new series of limited-edition works available exclusively through the New York-based gallery.

Featuring eight bold, sculptural pieces crafted from hemlock wood with a deep, almost black stain, the“INIZIO”commands attention with their monumental presence and thoughtful simplicity. The “LOCI” series offers six intricately designed cases made from soft white, green and pink onyx, as well as bronze, copper and polished brass, all exploring how we protect what is most precious to us.

To complement Balzano’s work, the gallery has created a scenography inspired by the Gilded Age, draping the entire space in textiles for a stark starkly contrast against the sculptural and conceptual depth of his designs.