Tomba L’Acrimata 2014

Roberto Ferri made this painting, Tomba L’Acrimata, by layering oil paints to achieve a very traditional aesthetic. The muted flesh tones contrasting with the bright red fabric give the piece a certain moodiness, or maybe it's drama - it could go either way, right? When I look at the painting, I see the way that Ferri uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. There's a real attention to the fall of the fabric that’s so beautifully rendered, it reminds me of Caravaggio! Look at how the white cloth drapes and folds, each crease catching the light differently. The way the artist has captured this detail suggests a real appreciation for the tactile qualities of the medium itself. Ferri's work always sparks dialogue between past and present, constantly asking us to consider what it means to make art in our current moment. Painting isn’t about definitive answers, it’s about embracing the questions.