Wine Culture and Jus Sol (From the Soil)
It took a visit to the storied Automobile Club de Monaco to set Patrizia's sights on creating a Bacchus inspired painting. One of the walls holds a large mural of the "pressing of the wine celebration," a contemporary representation of Bacchus, Roman God of wine also known as Dionysus in Greek mythology. But more than just inspiration, Patrizia has a deep connection to vin.
Bordeaux, the domain of her birth and for centuries the wine capital of the world holds special memories for her. Time with her French family and second mère, watered down wine at table, three generations in the long cavernous cellar (the only place to fit 20), hide and seek through the farmhouse and vegetable gardens — rows of vines a backdrop with their earthy aromas. Wine futures even helped fund her art studies at university.
Enter 202I and the work on Patrizia’s rendition of Bacchus began. The opera is also a favorite of art critic and historian Alessio Santiago Policarpo.
At Agorá — Arte in Piazza this summer Bacchus was the main focus of his presentation during Patrizia’s “Artist for a Day” exhibition. An excerpt from his dialogue (translated from Italian):
“The painting titled “Bacchus,” executed in 2023 has as its theme the god of wine. The artists is paying homage not only to a favorite pleasure of the ancient Romans, but also of us contemporaries. On the surface it appears to be a purely hedonistic image, steeped in seduction, and dedicated to unbridled enjoyment. In an interior, depicted in the background, two men drink and converse while seated at an elegant, richly set table. In the left foreground is depicted a putto holding large bunches of grapes, and to the right a reclining nude woman, who, fulfilled by drinking, is gently indulging in the world of dreams. In the upper right, peeks Bacchus in profile, intent on watching over the mortals who enjoy his precious gift.
Initial composition sketch (July 2021) and nude study. The painting was to appear in the 2021 solo show io sono: i am me, however due to its complexity was not finished until late 2023.
The Greek playwright Euripides wrote that wine is a Pharmakon: Bacchus-Dionysus offers us a drink that can cure the torments of the human heart, a 'medicine' that fills our spirit with gladness. According to ancient thought, when taken in moderation, wine thus frees us from pain. Even the Latin author Horace in his Carmina celebrates the god of wine, because with its nectar, he is able to chase away anxiety, and spur us to create free and true friendship.
The unclothed woman in the foreground is not an image of mere lasciviousness, but depicts the ancient motto “In vino veritas,” thus the truth is revealed through Bacchus, leading us to full freedom from the moralistic constraints and hypocrisies of the world.”
Alessio Policarpo Santiago
Alessio Santiago Policarpo is a graduate of art history from the University of Florence, focusing today on themes relating to contemporary, and present-day art in both the traditional and figurative art themes. Alessio has curated both collective exhibitions and held several conferences at prominent museums in Western Liguria: "Ligurian artists of the 20th century" and "Against contemporary art.”
Alessio has published articles in scientific journals (regarding Domenico Trentacoste and Mario Albertella) and in periodicals with a contribution about acclaimed Italian sculptor, Renata Cuneo. He is the author of the introductions and analysis for a variety of Italian and international artists exhibition and personal catalogs. In addition to publishing his articles as well as other authors on his blog ArteOggi, is a professor in the Italian public school,Torino.
Also presented at Agorá - Arte in Piazza this summer, Don't Speak. A focus on subjects Mars and Neolithic Girl which featured strongly on the 300 x 200 cm /10 x 6 foot canvas titled Mars. Inspired by the No Doubt song titled Don't Speak. Mars as the God of War represents a strong authoritative figure in contrast to the young femme without a voice.
Don't Speak 1 of 2 and 2 of 2, 2024 acrylic on jute, each canvas measures 60 x 80 cm
All works of art represented are the original created by Patrizia A. Salles. For further details or purchase contact Patrizia at: +39 333 315 3172 or p.salles@icloud.com
COMMISSIONS WELCOME: Patrizia looks forward to creating a unique work of art tailored to your environment, for a loved one or for your collection.
© 2024, Patrizia A. Salles, all rights reserved
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