Nudità (Nudity)

An internationally renowned goldsmith and sculptor, Sergio Mazzola showed interest in the Rojale Sculpture Symposium from its very first edition. For him, stone sculpture represented a new challenge — a way to engage in dialogue with a “living” material rich in history. After initial experiments, he accepted the invitation to participate in the 2nd International Friuli Venezia Giulia Stone Sculpture Symposium in 1999. 

The work he created, titled Nudità, is displayed inside the Council Chamber of the Municipality of Reana del Rojale. It can also be observed through the glass of the side entrance door. The viewer immediately perceives the expressive freedom of an artist who was among the protagonists of regional art. 

His intervention is thoughtful and attentive, aimed at enhancing the Piasentina stone boulder upon which he left his essential and incisive mark. With a few careful gestures, he accentuates lines already present in the material, allowing a sinuous and harmonious form to emerge — one that lays bare our ability to see, interpret and be guided by intuition.

Sensuality and softness are the keys to understanding this sculpture, where refined chromatic contrasts play a fundamental role. 

It is the caress of intimacy that guides the movement of eyes and hands across a stone made smooth, polished or rough depending on the allusions it wishes to evoke. 

The Nudity of an artist who accompanies the stone along the suggestions it offers does not blush — respectful, yet decisive. 

Mazzola’s research can be framed as a subtle and intelligent play, where the lightness of form reveals great technical skill and seasoned clarity.

Master goldsmith and artist Sergio Mazzola demonstrated a passion for art and creation from childhood. His fascination with the Lombards later inspired a distinctive jewellery line that further strengthened his bond with Friuli, which became his adopted homeland. 

Originally from Calto, a small village on the banks of the River Po, he studied at the Art Institute of Venice. In 1959, with the opening of the Sello Art Institute in Udine, he was invited to teach repoussé and chasing, later specialising in metalwork. He met Dino Basaldella, who became his mentor. 

Eventually, he chose to pursue his own artistic path, opening a small goldsmith’s workshop with his brother Elio. Over time, the workshop expanded and relocated several times within Udine. 

From the year he participated in the International FVG Stone Sculpture Symposium, Mazzola gifted each invited artist one of his jewellery-sculpture creations every year, demonstrating generosity and a profound connection to the cultural association “Il Faro.” 

In 2014, he embarked on a new chapter, opening “Sergio Mazzola Generazioni Orafe” with his daughters and grandchildren. 

His life was devoted to study, drawing, experimentation and invention. He received numerous recognitions throughout his career until his passing in 2019.

Since his participation in the 2nd International FVG Stone Sculpture Symposium, Mazzola chose to donate a new work each year to the invited artists, strengthening his bond with the Cultural Association “Il Faro.” 

His essential lines, abstracted figures, formal balance and subtle tonal variations summarise a lifetime of study, passion and love for Lombard art — an essence that lives on in these works. 

The first jewellery-works were smaller and made of silver, linked to his mature production. From 2014 onward they became larger, reflecting a renewed creative phase. The technique employed is aluminium bracket casting, recalling ancient Lombard craftsmanship. Structural lines, contrasts of light and shadow, and varied textures are enhanced by shellac colouring on sandblasted surfaces. 

Even after Sergio’s passing in 2019, the Mazzola family has continued this tradition. The workshop “Sergio Mazzola Generazioni Orafe” continues to donate works inspired by the Master’s creations.