Mandragola 2015

Roberto Ferri painted this oil on canvas, 'Mandragola', sometime since he was born in 1978. Ferri's approach is rooted in a traditional technique, lending the scene a classical feel that's oddly mixed with the surreal. Looking at the surface, the skin tones are rendered with a smoothness that recalls old masters. There's a real attention to light and shadow, but then, bam! Out of her torso grows this plant with vibrant blue flowers. It is so unexpected, it's almost a slap in the face. The texture of the leaves and the rough stem contrast with her soft skin, making you think about nature, growth, and maybe even a bit of discomfort. The way Ferri combines classical painting with bizarre, fantastical elements reminds me of some of the pre-Raphaelites, but with a darker, more unsettling twist. It's as if he's saying, "Beauty can be weird, and that's okay."