"Riace Bronzes"
240 x 200 cm each, Acrylic on PVC, 2013
In “Bronzi di Riace” the artist pays homage to the famous bronze sculptures of Greek warriors found off the coast of Italy. The two monumental portraits, made in acrylic on PVC, capture with striking precision the strength and intensity of these mythical figures. The busts are painted in deep gray tones that recall the patina of aged bronze, creating a surprising effect of realism while adding a contemporary dimension to these classic icons.
Each face, though frozen in stoic calm, seems alive, almost animated by the light and shadows that sculpt their features. The use of PVC as a support and the expressive application of acrylic create a visual contrast that plays with the idea of permanence and modernity, suggesting that these ancient figures continue to resonate with a timeless force in today's world.
The interaction of the works with the gallery space—here shown under a large cornice—accentuates their sculptural presence, echoing their original grandeur while incorporating an element of modernity. The juxtaposition of these portraits with the contemporary environment, emphasized by the person standing between them, holding a telephone, offers a subtle reflection on the dialogue between the ancient and the modern, the eternity of classical art and the ephemerality of current culture.
“Bronzi di Riace” explores themes of history, identity and cultural survival, while questioning how works of art can transcend time and remain relevant. These paintings are a celebration of the human form and the art of sculpture, reimagined for a modern audience, while remaining faithful to the spirit and majesty of the bronze originals.
