Amore Profano 2016

Curator: What strikes me most immediately about Roberto Ferri's painting "Amore Profano," created in 2016, is its almost unsettling blend of classical technique with contemporary sensibilities. The stark nudity paired with a visible rosary is a strong, deliberate choice. Editor: Yes, it certainly commands attention! There's a haunting quality to it. The way the light caresses the figure's back and illuminates the draped fabrics evokes a sense of vulnerability but also a certain power. The limited palette enhances the feeling, doesn’t it? A melancholic romance pervades the whole scene, doesn’t it strike you as such? Curator: Indeed. The title, “Profane Love,” guides our reading, doesn't it? The rosary beads against the bare skin—it’s a powerful contrast between spiritual devotion and raw physicality. I’m immediately drawn to interpreting it as an exploration of internal conflict, of wrestling with desires and societal expectations placed upon women's bodies, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I agree it presents conflicting visual cues. Given the contemporary context of its creation, it seems relevant to consider how the male gaze factors into our interpretation, though. It’s hard not to see the painting through that lens, even if Ferri’s intention may have been something more…internal. Curator: You're right, that historical and societal layer cannot be ignored. The artist presents a timeless theme, rendered in a manner recalling old masters. We are forced to examine, interrogate, and reflect on the continuous renegotiation of these historical themes and constraints. The nude in art has never been without historical, societal, and institutional entanglements. Editor: Absolutely, the echoes of history reverberate. Looking closely at it again, the painting provides a critical lens onto this complex subject. Curator: What resonates with me most, in the end, is Ferri’s bold commentary. The piece isn't merely an aesthetic exercise but an offering, and also, dare I say, a warning, reminding us that some struggles are age-old. Editor: For me, this contemporary work evokes feelings and makes a visual statement that transcends its clear influences. It leaves me feeling like some dialogues just continue regardless of the space-time they are rooted in.