L’Oracolo 2020

Roberto Ferri made this painting, called L’Oracolo, with oils, and it kind of throws you back in time with that classical style. The colors are moody, like a Rembrandt, but it’s got this surreal twist. Look at how he builds up the paint, especially around the angel figure. It's not just about smooth blending; you can almost feel the texture. The wings look like they're about to flutter right off the canvas. Notice the soft gradation of her skin which contrasts with the hair-like roots connecting her to the plinth. The most striking thing is that Ferri's not just copying old masters. He's twisting them, making something new. This angel, she is not your grandma's angel, she's got a tough stillness about her, like a statue but alive. It reminds me of some of Jenny Saville’s work, in the way she takes a classical subject and makes it super relevant. It shows that art is always talking to itself across time, asking questions, and not really giving any easy answers.