Study for a Portrait is an attempt to assemble into a single portrait all the elements that actually generate diversity. It’s a search along the line that separates all individuals from each other.
Study for a portrait_Clay 1, clay on cotton fabric, 180x120 cm. 2015 (photo by Pier Luigi Dessì)
I model some heads from clay. I dry them in the sun, then, one by one, I melt them in the water as they dissolve into mud. Then I drench some cotton cloths with this mud.
One head takes about two hours to melt.
They are just shredded pieces; shells of souls, taken from the outside – anywhere – and then brought back in the inside, and sewn together again, as good as it gets;
The track of a posture, a broken movement.
You need to get your hands and your eyes dirty.
You must look at the Other without analyzing it, without searching for something more.
The deepest understanding and the disgust are served together on the same plate; close your eyes, hold your breath and bite whatever comes to your mouth.
Study for a portrait_Clay 2, clay on cotton fabric, 200 x 115 cm, 2016 (photo by Pier Luigi Dessì)
Study for a portrait_Clay 5, clay on cotton fabric, 120 x 45 x 20 cm, 2016 (photo by Pier Luigi Dessì)
Study for a portrait, clay monoprint, 100 x 70 cm 2016 (photo by Pier Luigi Dessì)
Study for a portrait, clay monoprint, 100x70 cm. 2016 (photo by Pier Luigi Dessì)
Study for a portrait, clay monoprint, 100x70 cm. 2016 (photo by Pier Luigi Dessì)