GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park presents the work of the Italian sculptor, painter, print maker and installation artist, Mimmo Paladino. The exhibition “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” features iconic sculptures from across the artists’ repertoire and new, never before seen work. It will remain on display until August 14.

The human figure reemerged as a vital form of inspiration and creative expression in the late 1970s and 1980s. Paladino sought a return to the use of figure in art but in highly individual and expressive ways.

Featured in this exhibition is the massive installation, Dormienti, or The Sleepers which fill the main exhibition space of the Balk Gallery. The work is composed of 32 life-size terra cotta figures that are spread along the gallery floor. Each is shown in a fully reclined position reference a sleeping human being.

“Paladino's role in refocusing Contemporary art on the figure is incontrovertible,” said Joseph Becherer, chief curator and vice president of exhibitions and collections. “His leadership in the Transavanguardia movement is to be celebrated and, in an exhibition such as this, continues to unfold with elegance and creativity.”

Making use of Meijer Gardens’ unique spaces, Paladino’s creatures, Crocodiles, will be displayed in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Additionally, the artist is known for his two-dimensional imagery. Paladino contributed two major works as gifts to Meijer Gardens' permanent collection, one of which he received input from the horticulture team.

Meijer Gardens's visitors are familiar with Paladino's large-scale bronze sculpture, Tana, installed in the Sculpture Park near the waterfalls.

"Since acquiring Paladino's Tana years ago, Meijer Gardens has long desired to organize a major presentation of the master’s work and this landmark exhibition offers us the opportunity explore iconic works of the past and present as well as new, never before seen works,” said Becherer.