The Museo Nazionale Romano in Rome presents Tony Cragg: Infinite forme e bellissime, a major solo exhibition by the acclaimed British sculptor, running until May 4th, 2025. Set within the historic Baths of Diocletian, the exhibition, curated by Sergio Risaliti and Stéphane Verger, features 18 of Cragg’s large-scale sculptures created over the past two decades.
Known for his exploration of unconventional materials and forms, Cragg’s work merges abstraction and figuration, reflecting his ongoing dialogue with the natural world.
The exhibition, supported by BAM – Eventi d’Arte and Municipio I Roma Centro, invites visitors to experience sculptures crafted from materials like bronze, wood, travertine, and fiberglass. The title, inspired by Charles Darwin’s famous phrase “endless forms most beautiful and wonderful,” echoes Cragg’s fascination with the organic structures found in nature. His works evoke a dynamic interplay between the biological, mineral, and plant worlds, challenging the boundaries between the human-made and the natural.
Two standout pieces include Stack, an iconic series from the 1980s, which presents layered forms resembling geological strata, and Sea Form, a dynamic sculpture that mimics the fluidity and motion of ocean waves. Each piece highlights Cragg’s approach to sculpture as a study of form, material, and the relationship between them.
Displayed within the grandeur of the Baths’ vaulted halls, the sculptures interact with the space, creating a striking contrast with the classical architecture. The exhibition extends beyond the museum, with selected works also appearing in public squares like Piazza San Silvestro and Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, further bridging contemporary art with the historic urban landscape.
Tony Cragg’s Infinite forme e bellissime is a sensory journey, urging visitors to reflect on the transformative power of art and nature, and to engage in a deeper exploration of the infinite potential of form.
Photography by MICHEAL RICHTER
