The Last of The Pianista Piano Sculptures and Artifacts by Michael Frassinelli

Last Day of the Exhibit: July 13.

I had never been to the Artspace Gallery in Maynard. But when I visited it to see the piano sculpture exhibit by Michael Frassinelli, I was really happy I did. Tucked in a small and inconspicuous building in the town of Maynard, the gallery presented an imaginary civilization with all its trappings, complete with tools, crafts and history. As I walked in, I witnessed the unfolding of a piano-based civilization fashioned from the imagination and artistic wizardry of Michael Frassinelli.

For over a decade, Frassinelli has been reassembling discarded piano pieces into art objects. Over time, his has fashioned them into an amazing array of masks, weapons, household objects, ceremonial objects and weapons. As you enter the gallery, the senses are overwhelmed with the richness, variety and splendor of the exhibits. But the objects are not random – they are organized in themes and gradually a fictional narrative emerges. When the illusion is complete, the exhibition turns into an archaeological space, a place of discovery where it is possible to explore the traditions and customs of an ancient unknown civilization.

Frassinelli has named that unknown civilization Pianistas. All their possessions – homes, boats, furniture, art, weapons, and decorations – derive from pianos. It’s hard to fathom, but when you are in that room, it is not too hard to agree with that supposition. Pictures, videos, newspaper clips, historical narratives are on hand to further complete that fantasy.

When I spoke to Frassinelli, I asked him how long had he been doing this. “Over 10 years,” he said. More than 30 pianos had been used to create these sculptures. His first show took place in 2004. Since then, he and his students at Dana Hall School, Wellesley, have been expanding the array of sculptures. Will he continue this work? “Unlikely,” was his terse response. The work has reached its zenith and it is time to give his imagination a new turn.

So, my dear readers, you may not find many more opportunities to see this fascinating exhibit. If we are lucky, the exhibits may find a permanent home at a bigger museum. But, I wouldn’t want you to wait for that.  Frassinelli is holding his closing reception on Friday, July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.at the Artspace Gallery. I hope you can find half an hour to visit this exhibition – you’ll thank me if you do.

Happy viewing!