Nel Pozzo 2017

Roberto Ferri made this painting, Nel Pozzo, in oil with a classical approach to form and a subdued palette. It’s like a Caravaggio bathed in a gentle Instagram filter. Look at the way the light softly illuminates the figure, her skin almost luminous against the darker background. The surface is smooth, incredibly rendered, hiding any trace of the artist’s hand. Ferri’s clearly interested in realism, but it’s a realism with a twist. The woman holds what looks like a broken dagger with a wing attached. This is not your typical portrait! I like how Ferri makes old new again, reminding me of artists like Odd Nerdrum, who also play with the past. The conversation in art is always ongoing, isn’t it? It’s about taking what’s come before and twisting it, pushing it, and seeing what new meanings can emerge.