Nicolò Morales interprets the millenary ceramics of Caltagirone in his creations for Paola Lenti, with an original experimentation with colours.

In the hands of Nicolò Morales, red or classic clay, or clay mixed with alumina and quartz, take on flexible and organic forms of beautiful sea creatures and plant organisms thanks to mixtures with varying proportions and the typical process used for the extrusion of bricks.

Nicolò Morales’ creations for Paola Lenti are handcrafted products born from a personal interpretation of the millenary tradition of the ancient pottery tradition of Caltagirone and an original experimentation with colours.

In Anemone, Helico, Primula and Stelo, the colour is spread by hand and deliberately left liquid. In this way, the colours remain bright and never completely cover the material. Instead, the material shines through, making each piece sparkle and come alive.

“I like to consider myself an alchemist, and in fact I am one, because behind what I do there is no thought, but an alchemy of elements that are combined, placed side by side, produce a reaction. More than colours, I would define them as behaviours” says Nicolò Morales.

These unique and non-reproducible objects always reveal new details depending on the perspective from which they are observed, their position and the light that illuminates them at that precise moment. When produced in reduced dimensions, they serve as small sculptural components that can be joined or superimposed to create worlds according to one’s inspiration.

In Nicolò Morales’ work, decoration is intrinsic. Although inspired by classical canons, he projects himself into the world of interior design with an original and contemporary language.

The affinity with Paola Lenti is based on an innate sensitivity to colour and curiosity that drives her to continually explore new paths. For Paola Lenti, identifying and recovering ancient artisan techniques is an ethical choice, the only one that allows her to keep alive and spread the Made in Italy culture throughout the world.

“I emulate nature very much. I am passionate about professional scuba diving. When you are underwater, you can’t help but turn your eyes upwards; vice versa, on land you are drawn to the depths of the abyss. Among my finishes, there are seascapes that recall the blue of the galaxy” explains Nicolò Morales.

Anémona

Majolica side table, handmade and hand-decorated with the exclusive colours of Nicolò Morales. Irregularity and uniqueness are sought after and distinctive qualities of this product.

Helico

Side table with bases made of extruded majolica (decorative ceramic) elements and round transparent cast glass tops.

Primula

Side table with bases made of extruded majolica (decorative ceramic) elements and round transparent cast glass tops.

Stelo

Decorative structure made up of majolica (decorative ceramic) elements assembled on a steel support, fitted with adjustable ends for fixing to the floor and ceiling. The Stelo elements are aligned differently each time according to a different chromatic sequence; a transparent plastic gasket, placed between each element, prevents them from breaking.

These products are designed for outdoor use, but can also be used indoors, thanks to the quality of the materials, their versatility and the colours that coordinate with Paola Lenti’s exclusive interior palette.

Nicolò Morales

He was born in Caltagirone (Italy) in 1973, where he lives and works. From a very young age he enthusiastically frequented the workshops of master ceramists. After compulsory schooling, he studied at the State Art Institute and took an active part in numerous events organised by it, representing the Institute and achieving considerable success. He began working with ceramics at a very young age and held his first solo exhibition in his home town in 1991.

In 2011 he participated in the exhibition Unity in Diversity and, in the Italian Pavilion at the Sala Nervi in Turin, at the 54th Venice Biennale.

In 2013, he created L’indovino (The soothsayer) with Ugo La Pietra for the exhibition I Segni Zodiacali and exhibited at the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Milan.

In 2014 he participated in several exhibitions, including the Biennial of Ceramics and Architecture, Art shopping Paris au Carrousel du Louvre in Paris and the International Art Fair in Barcelona.

In 2015 he exhibited, among others, at the Palermo Biennale, at the Civica galleria d’arte moderna in Monreale, at the Biennale della ceramica in Caltagirone, at Castel Ursino in Catania, at Palazzo Corvaja in Taormina and at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi in Varedo on the occasion of the Expo arte italiana.

In 2016, he created the Sanremo Music Awards and the Museo Marella Palazzo Biscari in Catania hosted Sicilia in festa riti e misteri by maestros Giammona and Morales. He participated in the Pio Alferano Prize in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Since 2018 it has been one of MAM’s Living Treasures, promoted by the Fondazione Cologni Mestieri d’Arte, and in 2019 it received the Telamone Prize.

In the last ten years he has combined his artistic and artisanal activity with that of a designer, dedicating himself to product design, collaborating with Paola Lenti, Sara Ricciardi and Ugo La Pietra.

His production ranges from objects to installations, including monumental works exhibited in public spaces.

Source: Paola Lenti.

Project by Nicolò Morales