I lampi 1910

Luigi Russolo made "I lampi," or "Lightning," with humble pastels on paper. The velvety texture of the pastel is perfect for capturing the drama of a storm, especially the radiant lightning that pierces through dark clouds. Russolo's active, layered strokes gives the sky a vibrant energy, almost as if the clouds are alive. The choice of pastel is significant because it's a medium that allows for both quick impressions and detailed work, fitting for an artist who was also an avant-garde musician. What’s particularly interesting is how the lightning illuminates the industrial landscape below. Chimneys and rooftops become almost ghostly silhouettes. Russolo was part of the Futurist movement, which celebrated industry and modernity, but also acknowledged its darker side. By using simple materials to depict such a complex scene, Russolo blurs the lines between traditional landscape art and a commentary on the industrial age. It makes you think about how the tools and materials we choose can shape our understanding of the world around us.