THE VENETIAN CONNECTION

ORIGINAL PAINTING

ACRYLICS ON CANVAS

SIZE: 120 x 60 cm / 48 x 24 inch

YEAR OF ORIGIN: 2016

//

FRAMED

SIGNED

STAMPED

incl. CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY & 

HANGING GEAR

 

THE VENETIAN CONNECTION // Original framed painting

4.500,00 €

  • 5 kg
  • Available
  • 1 - 2 weeks delivery time

DESCRIPTION

THE VENETIAN CONNECTION (after "French Connection", the famed 1960s-1970s American smuggling organization) depicts numerous young men in suits wearing Venetian masks. The image appears to be part of a large crowd. 

 

I'm not sure if it was Robert Longo's "Men in the Cities" series or Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut" that inspired me to make this painting, so I'll leave it at that. This motif is the very start of my work; it is a "key image".

 

The idea arose on a whim; it was an intuitive act that later proved to be a proper and coherent approach. The masks are part of Venice's carnival. As a result, they are mostly employed for amusement and have a stimulating impact, but each mask has its own connotation, which isn't always pleasant.

 

The origins of the Venetian carnival may be traced back to Saturnalia and, as a result, to the fasting season's rituals and celebrations. Venice's carnival is thought to have originated in the 12th century, when citizens celebrated Venice's triumph over Aquileia in 1162 on an annual basis.

 

My stated purpose was to allow for as many interpretive possibilities as feasible in my work. The receiver looks around at the people who are staring at him. When I visualize this scenario in real life, I have conflicting reactions. I consider psychological contagion, group dynamics, and herding behavior.

I think about group formation, sects, and Mario Giordano’s "The Experiment Black Box”. I am curious: Will I be a part of this group, or will I not be invited at all? Have I already made up my mind? 

 

This game with symbols, whether on aesthetic or substantive grounds, is a tempting synergy for me.