Alessandro Ricciardulli

I transform fallen palm tree fronds into sculptures, adding a satin finish to the weathered features. Hidden colors and patterns are unveiled, and powerful neodymium magnets secure ball bearing compound eyes in the resulting visages. My work is done at my home studio in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

I accidentally discovered the eye clusters settle into hexagonal patterns, mirroring the efficiency of nature in everything from honeycombs to the massive mysterious hexagon storm on Saturn’s north pole. It felt like I tapped into a universal constant, elevating the essence of my creations and accentuating their individual personalities.

The figures pay homage to palms as the iconic symbol of Los Angeles, with a twist. The metallic fixtures penetrating the wooden substrate symbolize the joining of man and machine, telling the story of future Angelenos eschewing conservation as they turn to science to address a deteriorating landscape. Their totemic presence celebrates the covenant of salvation through technological integration, as dead tissue lives on in perpetuity. Onlookers see themselves reflected in the ball bearing eyes in the geometric shapes, prompting the question: “Is this the tomorrow I want?”

I have no formal training in art. But I have been creating art for more than 30 years, seeking the critique and mentorship of artists and art collectors along the way. Much of my art hangs on our walls. I settled on my newest project—transforming fallen palm fronds into mixed media sculptures—through experimentation and meticulous attention to detail.

I have a B.A. in political science from UCLA, and a J.D. from UC Berkeley Law School.

Showing at the The Other Art Fair, Los Angeles, September 24-27, 2026