Helidon Xhixha is a prominent Italian sculptor of Albanian origin, who studied at London Kingston University as well as the Accademia delle Belle Arti of Brera in Milan. He is renowned for his many achievements and a consistent style that has already generated wide recognition from critics in numerous countries, with an impressive portfolio of monumental installations permanently placed in significant locations like the Violin Museum presided by the Stadivari Foundation in Cremona, Italy, the Presidential Palace in Tirana, Albania, the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, and the regional government Lombardy Building in Milan, among others.
Xhixha is an unconventional artist who explores beyond the use of the same old materials and themes and unveils new realities and forms. An investigator of "alternative paths" on the artistic scene, Xhixha plays with the light reflected on the metal with a mastery that lies at the core of an expressive power that hinges on the precarious yet sophisticated ambivalent relationship between randomly and finely calibrated harmonious darting forms.
It might be said that rather than sculpting materials, the artist uses them to sculpt space and light, or, in other words, that he transforms the force and energy of his creative process into sculptural material which he then transfigures into luminous energy.
The artist recently finalised a partnership with PMG - a New York City based development firm headed by Kevin Maloney for the project Muse, located on the pristine white sand beaches of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. The 47-story tower was conceptually designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott and fleshed out by the Miami based firm of Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership. Muse, a state-of-the-art, tall, narrow and luxurious condominium, will have an artwork of Helidon Xhixha in every apartment and monumental sculptures adorning the hall and entrance of the building.
In London, the prestigious gallery Contini Art UK, recently opened on New Bond Street, has started collaboration with Helidon Xhixha exhibiting his artworks in its space located in the heart of Mayfair. Set over two floors, the gallery covers over 5,000 square feet, and contains a permanent collection of well-known contemporary and modern artists.
Meanwhile, during the official June opening of the New Yacht Club of Monaco, a five metre high monument titled Vela by Helidon Xhixha was unveiled. The monument sculpted in 316 marine grade, mirror polished stainless steel, resembles a sail and stands tall next to the entrance of the club house at Quay level. The piece is inspired by the call of the sea, the contrast between life on land and at sea, between home and the unknown, and the passion for adventure.
A smaller sculpture similar to the Vela monument was realised by Xhixha as a trophy for the 62nd Giraglia Rolex Cup 2014. The sculpture, measuring 30 x 50 cm, was rewarded to Roberto Tomasini Grinover and his Robertssima team, and presented by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
