Circles, spheres and circularity characterised this exhibition of new works by acclaimed Italian artist Massimo Bartolini. This installation was unsettling and conducive to reflection, familiar yet shot through with incongruity. Sphere closely resembled a court for the French game of boules. An area inside the vast industrial space of Ikon Eastside was prepared with soil and gravel, according to professional guidelines, and the boules, eight brass balls, were available for those wishing to play.  A small wooden ball called ‘cochon’ is usually used but the artist substituted this with a walnut. Bartolini refers to the Zen-like nature of boules, the idea that it engenders a philosophical quiet.

Massimo Bartolini’s Triple Loop exhibition was supported by Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham City Centre Council, Business Link, the European Reginal Development Fund and the Italian Cultural Institute. With thanks to Fundaçäo de Serralves, Porto, Portugal.