Cardinal

The artist, from Calabria but educated in Turin, opened his long career with this award, which he received in 1976. His first period of activity, to which this particular work is linked, can be defined as neo-expressionist. Only later did he adhere to conceptual art before arriving at sensational results thanks to a type of painting called Epic Painting. The cardinal in question is characterized by vivid colors and posed in prayer, recalling the famous popes of Francis Bacon. The stroke is firm and bright, the attention to detail is insistent. Finally, the restrained movement is beautiful, which gives the protagonist an intention directed towards the absolute, while painting his body in an everyday and almost derisory aspect.