Ron Nagle in Milan: Phantom Banter — first solo show in Italy

From May 29 to July 24, 2026 the Gió Marconi Gallery in Milan presents Phantom Banter, the first solo exhibition in Italy dedicated to American sculptor and ceramist Ron Nagle. The show gathers eleven sculptures made between 2024 and 2026 and a selection of recent drawings that highlight the relationship between drawing and three-dimensional form.

Most works are small-scale (often under 15 cm) and emphasize surface treatment as the main field of research: glossy and matte glazes, layered color, granular textures and the use of resins and synthetic materials that expand clay's formal possibilities.

Why visit

This exhibition presents a clear view of Nagle's recent practice, where drawing acts not just as preparation but as a structural part of the creative process. Playful titles and meticulously finished surfaces reflect a practice situated between craft, design and popular visual culture.

Practical information

• Where: Gió Marconi Gallery, via Tadino 15, Milan
• When: May 29–July 24, 2026
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00–18:00
• On view: 11 sculptures (2024–2026) and a selection of recent drawings

Artist summary

Born in San Francisco in 1939, Ron Nagle is a prominent figure of the West Coast scene. Active since the 1950s, he combines traditional ceramic techniques with industrial materials and tools, developing a sustained investigation of surface that draws on modern painting, Japanese ceramics and American pop visual culture.

The exhibition lets visitors appreciate both the technical precision of his surfaces and the central role drawing plays in shaping his three-dimensional work.