Executed in 1976, Starlaera is a prime example of Scarpitta’s sled series. During the 1970s, Scarpitta embarked on a new journey from his “bandage” and “race car” series, giving rise to his renowned collection of “sleds.” His fascination with motion and travel, symbolizing for him the progression of life, emerged anew through this form of archaic transportation. Sleds were a different embodiment of movement, evoking adventure, new frontiers and life’s relentless march forward. Departing from his modern race cars, Scarpitta embraced a more rustic aesthetic with a rugged allure, reminiscent of the Arte Povera movement through its themes and materiality.
“Something happened whereby the desire that I had in the racing cars were still there, only the wheels weren't here… And then I began what I wanted to do which was an expedition inside my own studio.”
—Salvatore Scarpitta
In Starlaera, Scarpitta presents us with a work that, though reminiscent of a sled, evokes a departure from the conventional imagery associated with the object, imbuing it with an innovative essence. Claimed to defy traditional categorization, this piece transcends the spheres of both sculpture and painting, breaking down the boundaries of the canvas. Utilizing a fusion of diverse and inventive mediums, Starlaera shows Scarpitta’s ingenuity with mainly found materials, wood and canvas.
“A sled is in the memory of every man”
—Salvatore Scarpitta
While many of these sleds resemble the familiar form of their namesake, Starlaera stands apart, offering a much more abstract and strikingly unique interpretation of the object. Through its unconventional portrayal accompanied by canvases, this work challenges viewers to rethink the essence of a sled, as Scarpitta breaks it down to its core components and broadens its definition to include anything draggable. Quite different from his contemporaries, Scarpitta stands out with his works like Starlaera that deviate from any one popular art style and come to fruition through his personal understandings and experiences.
Having moved back to the United States upon Leo Castelli’s request and being represented by Castelli for 40 years, Starlaera was exhibited alongside his other works at Leo Castelli Gallery soon after its initial conception, situating its significance within the artworld. More recently, Starlaera was featured in an exhibition of Scarpitta's work, titled Salvatore Scarpitta: Trajectory, at the Marianne Boesky Gallery in 2011. The exhibition showcased the artist alongside influential peers such as Willem de Kooning, Piero Manzoni, and Lucio Fontana, as well as artists he influenced including Jeff Koons, Nancy Rubins, and Julian Schnabel. The piece has also been exhibited at museums such as the Houston Contemporary Arts Museum and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, recognized for its innovative spirit and enduring influence on contemporary art.
