Klang (Rosso) 1984

Luciano Bartolini's "Klang (Rosso)" pulses with rhythmic energy, a visual symphony rendered in oil on canvas. The dominant red, sliced by bold black lines, evokes a feeling of raw, primal vitality. These dynamic lines, reminiscent of musical notations, echo the title "Klang," meaning sound in German. We see the archetype of the line, a motif as old as humanity itself. From the rhythmic scratches on cave walls to the incised decorations on ancient pottery, the line has always symbolized both division and connection. Think of the dramatic use of line in Byzantine icons, where it signifies spiritual energy radiating outwards. Here, Bartolini’s lines carve through the red field, creating a sensation of contained explosion. Red, a color associated with passion and danger, vibrates with suppressed power, hinting at an inner emotional landscape. These bold strokes, perhaps subconsciously, recall the urgent mark-making found in tribal art. Bartolini’s composition is a testament to the enduring power of simple forms, constantly resurfacing in art, reminding us that the past is never truly behind us.