Cinque ovali neri 2007

Curator: Turi Simeti’s Cinque ovali neri, created in 2007, immediately arrests attention through its monochromatic presence and the intriguing arrangement of shapes. Editor: It's funny, it almost feels like a row of shy creatures peeking from under a blanket, a somber sky full of dim suns. Curator: Interesting observation. From a formalist perspective, the work reduces form to its essence. Note how the five black ovals punctuate the monochrome field, creating an interplay between positive and negative space. The deliberate placement invites contemplation on symmetry and rhythm. Editor: Rhythm is key. The almost uniform spacing gives a serene, hypnotic feel, but I find myself wishing one oval was just a little bit off, a touch of dissonance to stir the soul. Perhaps some hidden rebellion against perfect order? Curator: Precisely, the nuanced treatment of the monochrome could evoke varied interpretations. Simeti's handling is more than mere replication; it seems like a gesture questioning perfection in art. The black color itself is a carrier of multiple meanings, from absolute solemnity to avant-garde experimentation. Editor: Maybe that subtle imperfection is there, playing hide-and-seek. And the use of black – it swallows the light yet somehow manages to create this subtle luminescence around each oval, like a dark halo. It really does invite meditation. What do you make of Simeti's choice to limit the color palette so drastically? Curator: That limitation allows one to zero in on form. By stripping away the complexities of color, the artist encourages us to explore spatial relationships, materiality, and the subtle modulations within monochrome. The texture of the surface becomes remarkably prominent. Editor: It’s true, without the distraction of color, the texture feels amplified – almost begging to be touched. These aren’t just ovals; they’re almost characters with unique stories in shadow. Curator: "Cinque ovali neri" succeeds by posing elementary forms within a carefully considered structural and chromatic format. Its visual appeal lies not just in presentation, but its potential for meaning-making. Editor: Yes, even within that stark minimalism, it sparks something uniquely emotive and open to interpretation within me. A somber ballet in shadow.