Italian artist and Arte Povera pioneer Michelangelo Pistoletto, aged 92, has opened a new exhibition at Helly Nahmad Gallery in London, pairing his latest Mirror Paintings with Cubist works by Pablo Picasso, including Picasso's 1924 painting *Partition, Guitare, Compotier*. In an interview with The Art Newspaper, Pistoletto discusses how his mirror-based practice, first presented in 1963, reflects society and reality, and how Picasso's shattering of perspective paved the way for his own 360-degree, space-time-inclusive works. He also touches on his Cittadellarte foundation in Biella, his "Third Paradise" philosophy, and his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
This exhibition matters because it stages a direct dialogue between two revolutionary artists from different eras—Picasso, who broke perspective with Cubism, and Pistoletto, who expanded it through mirroring—highlighting how art continually redefines human perception and social engagement. At 92, Pistoletto remains a vital voice, linking historical avant-gardes to contemporary concerns about technology, society, and peace, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Arte Povera's humanistic mission.