Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm
Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Projection over soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm
Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Projection over soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm
Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm
Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Projection over soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm
All (5) Castiglione. C. Close ups of 'Italian Art Movements' (2024)
All (5) Castiglione. C. Close ups of 'Italian Art Movements' (2024)with projection
Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Projection over soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm, 0.07 minutes
Castiglione. C 'Italian Art Movements' (2024) Projection over soft pastel on cardboard, 116 x 164 cm, 0.14 minutes
Kinolibrary 2019 '1960s Sicily, Palermo Street Scenes, Italy from 35mm', Youtube (online video) 0.44-0.58
All (3) Castiglione. C 'Chiaroscuro' 2024, Digital images
I wanted to incorporate elements of Italian culture into my art, therefore I decided to look into other art movements specifically in Italy. I used an archival photo and used pastels to draw each person in a different style, using the 1970’s Neo expressionism and Transavantgarde, 1910’s Futurism, 1500/1600’s Renaissance and 1500’s Chiaroscuro style.
Firstly, I explored the 1970s Neo-expressionism and Transavantgarde, drawing inspiration from the bold brushwork and vivid colours of these movements. I wanted to capture the energy and emotional intensity that defined this period of artistic innovation. I then delved into 1910s Futurism, encapsulating technology and fitting colours. Through the use of pastels, I aimed to convey the sense of movement that filled Futurism artworks. Exploring the 1500s and 1600s Renaissance art, I drew inspiration from the attention to detail and proportions that defined this age. I endeavoured to capture the timelessness that characterised Renaissance pieces. Finally, I explored the dramatic light and shadow that defined the 1500s, Chiaroscuro style and its use of contrast to create depth and drama in artworks. I sought to emulate the atmospheric effects and shading of Chiaroscuro compositions, permeating my artwork with a sense of mystery. My favourite was the chiaroscuro style; exploring the use of light and dark, I took photos of my sister with the bold light creating shadows and I aim to use this experimentation of lighting within my final piece.
By incorporating elements of these iconic Italian art movements and styles into my artistic practice, I aimed to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Italy while also experimenting with different styles. Through this experimentation with pastels and a diverse range of artistic techniques, I aim to create a piece that celebrates the diversity of Italian artistry throughout the ages.
After painting these portraits each in a different style, I then projected the original image over it. This added depth and complexity to the artwork and by overlaying the original image onto the diverse array of portraits, I created a striking juxtaposition between the past and present; tradition and innovation. Projecting the image serves to unite the different artistic styles, and offers viewers a varied perspective on the subject. It also allows for an integration of the various artistic interpretations with the original image, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between representation and reality.
After projecting the original image, I experimented with the use of video. In one video, I covered the projection on and off. When revealing the projection, I offered glimpses into the layered complexities of the artwork, inviting viewers intrigue on what is behind the painted faces. In another video, I projected a video that I found on youtube of Palermo, Sicily, in the 1960’s. Through the lens of vintage film, grainy textures and muted colours, viewers were transported to the time. Furthermore, exploring video in this way has inspired me to use a video medium for my final piece.