Untitled (Bulgari)
2017, Acrylic on PVC, 250 x 310 cm
In “Untitled (Bulgari),” the artist transports us to a world where the refinement of fine jewelry meets the old masters of the Renaissance. The painting juxtaposes two iconic female figures, magnificently dressed and undressed, in the heart of a glittering showcase of Bulgari jewels. The work offers a complex reading of wealth, beauty and cultural history.
On the left, an elegant figure draped in a sparkling, immaculate white dress delicately holds a cup. Her calm expression contrasts with the liveliness and freer expression of the nude figure on the right, who holds a black stone, evoking a mysterious duality. Together, these women embody both purity and sensuality, the timeless values of idealized femininity.
The two figures appear to emerge from a captivating background dominated by sparkling gems and spectacularly intricate goldwork. The precious stones—sapphires, diamonds, and amethysts—are arranged to create a visual and narrative tension between the art of the past and contemporary luxury. These metallic and gleaming elements frame the women in a pattern reminiscent of the shape of a Bulgari necklace, adding a tactile and sumptuous dimension to the canvas.
The background landscape, subtly inserted between the jewels, offers a natural contrast and invites the contemplation of the eternal beauty of nature, in opposition to the ephemeral brilliance of luxury. A river winds through green hills, a nod to harmony and inner peace, while the foreground remains resolutely fixed on material opulence.
The bold use of acrylic on PVC gives the surface of the work a smooth and glossy texture, accentuating the theme of luxury. The vibrant colours and attention to detail show a technical mastery that combines both a homage to the great masters and a resolutely contemporary approach to painting.
“Untitled (Bulgari)” is a bold tribute to the contradictions and tensions of beauty and richness, simplicity and complexity, past and present. A captivating work that seduces with its brilliance and opulence while also inciting reflection on the values of modern society.
