Philip Grant on the modern day version of the emperor's new clothes

Talk about intangible assets.  Italian artist Salvatore Garau sold an invisible sculpture titled ‘Io Sono’ (I am) for €15,000 ($18,300) in a May 18 auction overseen by contemporary house Art-Rite, Italy 24 News reported.  That compares to pre-auction estimates of €6,000 to €9,000 in proceeds. 

Garau explained his uber-minimalist work: “The vacuum is nothing more than a space full of energy, and even if we empty it and there is nothing left, according to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, that nothing has a weight.  Therefore, it has energy that is condensed and transformed into particles, that is, into us.” 

‘Io Sono’ is meant to be displayed in a 150 by 150 centimeter space free from obstructions, the artist went on to explain.  In addition to his own slice of the void, the buyer will also receive a signed and stamped certificate of authenticity, as well as peace of mind: The work boasts a net-zero carbon footprint.

~ Philip Grant, Almost Daily Grant's, June 1, 2021