
In the world of contemporary art, where creativity constantly pushes the boundaries of the conventional, Italian artist Salvatore Garau has created one of the most intriguing and controversial episodes of recent years.
+ Click here to watch the video of the invisible sculpture
The Italian artist sold an invisible sculpture titled Io Sono (“I Am” in Italian) for an impressive $18,300.
The artwork: what cannot be seen
The sculpture, described as “immaterial,” has no physical form. According to Garau, Io Sono is made of vacuum, but not of absolute emptiness. “The empty space is full of energy, and even if we don’t see it, it exists,” the artist stated in defense of his creation. For the buyer, the only tangible evidence of the purchase was a certificate of modifications, along with precise instructions for display: the work must be placed in a delineated space of 150 x 150 cm, free of any interference.
The auction
The artwork was auctioned by the Art-Rite auction house in Milan. Initially valued at €6,000 (approximately $6,000), the invisible sculpture exceeded all expectations, being sold for almost three times that amount. The auction attracted curious collectors and reignited debates about the subjective value of art.
Art or provocation?
The sale of Io Sono triggered a wave of responses. While some critics praised Garau for his boldness in turning the invisible into art, others labeled the episode as a symbol of excessive abstraction in the contemporary art market. However, Garau sees his creation as a continuation of art movements like Dadaism and Conceptual Art, which for decades have challenged the traditional definition of art.
“My work is not just emptiness; it is a celebration of potential, of what can be imagined,” the artist said in interviews.
The meaning of Io Sono
The choice of the title, which means “I Am,” also carries philosophical weight. According to Garau, the sculpture invites the viewer to reflect on their own existence and perception. He suggests that art does not need to be tangible to evoke emotion or meaning.
Reflection on the art market
Io Sono is not just a piece of artwork; it is a cultural phenomenon that raises important questions about the art market. What is the real value of creativity? What are we buying when we purchase art: an object or an idea?
Whether it is a stroke of genius or a successful provocation, Salvatore Garau has achieved something few artists manage: making the world stop and think. And, as the invisible art itself suggests, perhaps that is what truly matters.
Images: Instagram @salvatore_garau. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team. Stay up to date on the latest news through our page on Facebook.