“Body of Air” is an installation artwork by Piero Manzoni, created between 1959 and 1960. The piece belongs to the Conceptual Art movement, which emphasizes the ideas and concepts behind the artwork over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.
The artwork features a balloon inflated with the artist’s breath, suspended on a minimalistic metal frame stand. Below the balloon, there is a cardboard box labeled “CORPO D’ARIA” (Italian for “Body of Air”), which serves as both the title of the piece and a component of the display. Additionally, a deflated balloon and a certificate in a red pouch are part of the artwork. The elements are presented on a white platform, allowing the conceptual nature of the piece to stand out.
