San Girolamo E Quattro Devoti 2010

Editor: This acrylic painting is called "San Girolamo E Quattro Devoti" by Alfio Giuffrida, made in 2010. It features colorful robot-like figures within what appears to be an architectural space. The painting almost feels like a stage set. What strikes you about the materials and production here? Curator: Well, looking at this piece from a materialist perspective, the first thing I notice is the apparent flatness achieved with the acrylic paint. There’s little attempt to create depth through traditional shading or perspective. What does this flattening effect do for you? How does that affect your experience? Editor: I guess it emphasizes the constructed nature of the image. Like everything, even the shadows, is a deliberate choice, not something natural. Does the deliberate artificiality imply a comment on mass production, or something like that? Curator: Absolutely! Think about the robots themselves. These figures are fabricated from simple shapes and bold colors, alluding to mass-produced objects. But also, Giuffrida’s application of the acrylic is quite interesting here. He outlines all shapes uniformly, questioning boundaries between object, figure, background and space. It reminds of early 20th century advertisement posters, calling the eye and flattening hierarchy. How do you think the artist challenges this commercial language through painting, rather than reproducing posters? Editor: I see. It is a sort of handcrafted, and critical take of consumerism. Because if he just used posters, the gesture wouldn't exist and therefore it wouldn't hold this critic of materials and the process behind it. Very clever. Curator: Exactly. It uses material means to address questions about how objects are valued, represented, and ultimately, consumed within society. Something seemingly naive and handmade, such as the slightly trembling outlining, carries complex social meaning. Editor: I hadn't considered how much the choice of materials and the painting process itself contribute to its overall meaning. I will keep it in mind in the future. Thanks for that.