Brave New Worlds

Gianni Caravaggio latest effort is on show at galleria kaufmann repetto and already seems to be an instant classic. The artist indulges in his usual philosophical and aesthetical dilemmas. Where are we now while in search of the enduring morals? Five proposition for a new world is yet another layer to Caravaggio's extensive production flow. I met Gianni about 10 years ago and assisted him while working for Francesca Kaufmann as an assistant. I was impressed and I am still certainly amazed by the quality of each thought-piece he produces. I am impressed by the use of sometimes primary materials and the transformation of those into immaterial yet concrete artworks that breath within the space they occupy or plan to invade. Each composition and sculpture seem to have a life of its own without any compromise or fear for questioning too much or too little. Exactly as he named one of the artworks on show under the surface there must be the truth of concreteness. Indeed this very search makes Caravaggios's work so relevant and liberating.

Obtain•ium

The JoshuaTree desert syndrome has already provoked interesting allusions in pop culture such as U2's 1987 album. Some of Bono Vox's lyrics seem to marry Nicola Carignani’s infatuation with the “Desert sky 
- Dream beneath the desert sky 
- The rivers run, but soon run dry - 
We need new dreams tonight”. Nicola leaves any prejudice and keeps his focus on an oblique narrative where the subject matter is not all what it seems to be. Nicola’s pictures of these amazing characters are not telling us about a struggle or alternative lifestyle. In fact this body of work is evoking normality and whispering sensitivity. A dream is not a dream once it becomes the ordinary extraordinary. The rumors of true things, the colors of imaginary yet real landscapes, are the subject matter of the Obtain•ium collection. Nicola's closure with these human beings, their surroundings and manufacts shows the essence of  photographic art. To be there to enter the void. Defying any rational thoughts, it's all he can do. In Nicola Carignani's imperfect world all that is left is the search for freedom. Voltaire's legacy was not entirely given up here. Indeed a very practical solution for modern times too, "Man is free at the moment he wishes to be". 

This very sweet sense of freedom is all over Carignani's desert portraits, each one with its own perfectly balanced legacy. Leaving Las Vegas or Leaving Los Angeles is not necessarily an act of disobedience but an act of faith towards liberty and “normality”. Yes indeed I say it again. This is what Nicola was undoubtedly looking for and this is what he found almost so very naturally. These photos are forever. These spirits have been living there with us for many ages and Nicola’s ability to capture them for his narration is just another chunk of his own personal discovery channel. Enjoy it while you can.

Obtanium in Barcelona