Fabrizio Plessi: Remembering the Masi Foundation and Masi Agricola

The Masi Foundation , with President Isabella Bossi Fedrigotti , expresses the condolences of the entire Board and extends its condolences to the family on the passing of artist Fabrizio Plessi, who was awarded the 44th Masi Civiltà Veneta Prize last October. “ It was an honor to have him with us, along with writer Federica Manzon and entrepreneur Alberto Bombassei, three standard-bearers of the Veneto region and its culture . In Plessi's case, his presence was underscored and enriched by the monumental site-specific video installation 'The Soul of Amarone' at the Masi Monteleone21 headquarters, where the awards ceremony took place. We will miss him as a friend and we will miss his expression of artistic innovation in Venice, a theme we planned to address in a scheduled debate attended by the master himself.”

"My works make extensive use of video installations, but I don't like to be called a video artist. Technology is simply the medium through which my artistic vision finds complete expression," said Maestro Plessi, thanking him for the Masi Prize.

Sandro Boscaini , vice president of the Foundation and president of Masi Agricola , expressed his and his colleagues' shock and regret: " My bond with Fabrizio is long-standing and affectionate, and in 2025, it led us to address the topic of Amarone. As a great artist and connoisseur, he captured the profound meaning and uniqueness of this nectar of Valpolicella, translating it into a monumental work that will remain as a testament to our shared love for the region and the Venetian people it symbolizes. Just two months ago, we were both protagonists of a debate at the Procuratie buildings in Piazza San Marco, moderated by the deputy editor of the Corriere della Sera, Luciano Ferraro. The rich catalogue published by Marsilio Arte was presented, which recounts the conception and illustrates The Soul of Amarone with preparatory drawings and an extensive photographic collection. Surprisingly, the maestro wanted to preview his idea for Amarone translated into a bottle, and Masi will now offer it in its precious collection. Costasera Contemporary Art”.

In his latest work at Monteleone21, Plessi adds wine and its emotions to the ancestral elements of his creative journey—water, fire, lava, and wind—for the first time, also using artificial intelligence: " For me, Amarone is the symbol of true wine, the one I love deeply. Wine never sullyes the soul, but elevates it; the soul lives together with wine. In this work, water and wine dialogue as essential elements, reminding us that grapes are our origin ." This is master Fabrizio Plessi's tribute to Valpolicella.

'The Soul of Amarone' can still be visited at Masi Monteleone21.