From then till now | Da allora ad oggi

The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is proud to participate in the seventh edition of FuoriOrticola, presenting From then till now | Da allora ad oggi, Hugh Findletar’s first solo exhibition in Milan, from May 7 to June 8, 2025.

In line with the theme of FuoriOrticola 2025, “Bio, bio, bio: in giardino c’è vita!”, the Museum will showcase the unique works of Hugh Findletar, a Jamaican-born artist who has made Milan his home.

Trained as a photographer specializing in portraiture, Findletar found his artistic expression through glass, creating intricate blown-glass heads that blend classical and contemporary references.

His FLOWERheadZ series draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman vessels, such as Egyptian funerary masks, Greek oinochoai and Roman wine flasks, while also evoking the symbolic richness of 17th-century Baroque still lifes. These glass forms, with their dual role as vases, symbolize the transient nature of life, while paradoxically offering the possibility of sustaining life itself.

Findletar’s work is infused with a deep connection to his Jamaican roots and a passion for horticulture, nurtured by his grandmother. His journey to Murano, where he mastered the art of glassblowing at the Zanetti glassworks, has allowed him to create striking pieces that play with human physiognomy—sometimes ironic, sometimes poignant, but always tender in their portrayal.

The artist’s creations will seamlessly interact with the Museum’s Neo-Renaissance furniture and permanent collection, blending historical and contemporary elements.

From Then Till Now | Da allora ad oggi offers visitors an immersive experience, where the beauty of the past meets the vitality of nature and glass. Thoughtfully placed throughout the Museum, the works provide a unique dialogue between centuries, enriching the historic rooms with a fresh, refined perspective.