“Seventeen Less One,” created by Michelangelo Pistoletto in 2009, is an installation artwork that falls under the Conceptual Art movement. This meticulous composition is characterized by its thought-provoking nature, serving as an inquiry into the fragility and transience of existence.
The artwork showcases an arrangement of mirrors, all of which have been intentionally shattered. Each mirror is framed by an ornate gold border, providing a stark contrast to the fractured, broken glass within. The reflections of the surrounding space, distorted and fragmented, contribute to an eerie and reflective atmosphere. The shards of glass scattered on the floor beneath the mirrors enhance the sense of disarray and destruction. Pistoletto’s work challenges perceptions, invoking contemplation on themes of identity, reality, and the passage of time.
