Graphite Mirror Pupil by Gianluca Pacchioni Italy

Behind the walls of a 1930s-era former eyedrop factory in Milan, metal artist Gianluca Pacchioni works his magic, transforming iron, stainless steel, bronze, brass, aluminum and cold liquid metals into sculptures and elegant furniture. “I love metals,” he once said. “I love its imperfections, its scars. I love contrasts, and I try to highlight them. I spend my days ‘abusing’ these metals, but then I end up caressing them. . . . My aim is to find a form which blends imperfection with finesse.”

Born in Milan, in 1966, Pacchioni studied business and economics at Bocconi University before moving to Paris in the 1990s. There, he became immersed in Paris’s art world and discovered a passion for metal sculpting. Despite having no formal training in metalsmithing, Pacchioni forged his own technique and style in a studio he shared with other artists on the Quai de la Gare. His experimental works led to his first collection of iron sculptures presented at Vivendi Gallery, in Place des Vosges.

Keen to work with other Italian artists, Pacchioni returned to Milan in 1998, where he transformed the old factory into a workshop and atelier. Since then, he has focused on creating sculptures and limited-edition furniture such as beautiful Baroque Revival bronze and onyx console tables, side tables and secretaires and modern lighting designs using innovative techniques. 

Throughout the 2000s, Pacchioni has participated in several exhibitions, including Milan’s prestigious Salon del Mobile. In 2014, one of his works was put on permanent display at the entrance hall of the Italian Embassy in Paris. In 2016, the Fondazione Cologni awarded him the title Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere (master of arts and crafts). 

On 1stDibs, find a range of Gianluca Pacchioni decorative objects, tables and case pieces.