Quaranta Giorni

Quarantena

In an effort to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics during the 14th century. Ships arriving in Venice from infected ports were required to sit at anchor for forty days before landing. Several centuries later, this practice called quarantine deriving from the Italian words quaranta giorni (or forty days), has transformed our lives so deeply that several years later after the effects of a global pandemic hit us, we continue to struggle to define that intimate relationships within ourselves.

During the extended introspective journey experienced through the pandemic, I started to experience the urge to express an inner dialog that found no other outlet. It immediately took the form of deconstructed abstract portraits, a medium that I haven’t explored in the past, but that allowed me to reflect on the psychological effects of isolation myself. This series of exercises resulted in a collection of work representing our inner turmoil and the feeling of having no escape from ourselves. These mirrors of the soul were intentionally created using acrylics, a medium with a very brief window of influence but a very permanent impact, as the subject of analysis, while the tactile nature of the canvas served as a contrast to the lack of human touch experienced during that period, resisting further isolation through digital representation until now.

The tactile nature of each painting serves as a striking contrast to the lack of human touch experienced during the pandemic. Each brushstroke, splatter, and drip then becomes a symbol of emotions, telling a story of their own, transcending both language and culture.

Through the use of vivid colors and bold transgressive forms departing from human nature, I invite you to experience the same feelings of confinement and desperation, but also those of hope and resilience that come from within every single one of us.

Essence of femininity and self-reflection. Clarence gazes in the mirror, as she explores the depths of her own soul. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, creating a sense of movement and energy that can barely be contained within geometry, embodying the subject's emotional state. A sense of inner turmoil, as finally confronting the complexities of her own identity. The mirror, represented by the geometric state of her other half, serves as a symbol of the duality of self, reflecting both the outer and inner world of the subject.

Journey of a young man as he transforms into adulthood. The subject, portrayed as a series of gestural forms, appears to be in a state of flux, with elements of his youthful innocence blending into the newfound power and confidence of adulthood. Once again, the colors used in the painting are bold and intense, as youth was on him once, conveying his inner turmoil and intense self-reflection. The abstract forms seem to be in a constant state of evolution, symbolizing the subject's journey from youth to adulthood and the existential challenges he faces along the way.

Soul Essence

A symbol of resilience and perseverance, Quarantine stands tall, a testament of the past. Born in a time of plague and uncertainty, It has evolved, adapted and changed with each century.
From the gondolas of Venice to a world in need, It has stood steadfast, a shield against disease. And now, in the face of a global pandemic, It has tested our strength and challenged our humanity.
But through it all, we have learned to find new ways, To connect and to heal, in spite of the delays. For in these moments of isolation and reflection, We have rediscovered the power of our own connection.

The poignant moment of a man bidding farewell to the best years of his life. The subject, portrayed as a series of gestural forms, is depicted in a state of introspection and contemplation, as he reflects on the memories and experiences that have shaped his life. in a tragically melancholic and nostalgic stare, conveying a sense of loss and regret. These abstract forms seem to be in a state of dissolution, symbolizing the subject's feelings of sadness and longing. Imperfections flow through the cracks, with the remains of who he was once.

The subject of this piece is a man struggling with codependency, a psychological condition where one's sense of self is defined by their relationships with others. Feeling a strong attachment to others and a fear of abandonment that leads him to sacrifice his own needs and wants. leaving him feeling trapped, with a lack of control over his own life and a sense of emptiness. Despite his desire to be loved and valued by others, he finds himself trapped in unhealthy relationships and unable to break free from this cycle . Tormented by his own thoughts and feelings, he is completely unable to see himself as a separate, distinct individual. This struggle has taken a toll on his emotional and mental well-being, and he is searching for a way to break free from such chains in order to find his own sense of identity and fulfillment.

Feeling emotionally unsupported, neglected, or unsafe. When these feelings persist, some women may begin to shut down emotionally and detach from the relationship. This can manifest in different ways, such as withdrawing from physical or emotional intimacy, becoming distant or disengaged, or avoiding communication.

As a defense mechanism to protect themselves from emotional pain or conflict. Men tend to suppress their feelings and emotions, leading to a sense of emotional numbness and disconnection. This can lead to confusion and feelings of loss, as they struggle to reconcile their own emotions with the love they once felt.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Women may disassociate from a relationship for various reasons, including feeling emotionally unsupported, neglected, or unsafe. When these feelings persist, a woman may begin to shut down emotionally and detach from the relationship. This can manifest in different ways, such as withdrawing from physical or emotional intimacy, becoming distant or disengaged, or avoiding communication. Disassociation can also be a defense mechanism to protect oneself from further hurt or pain.

In some cases, women may experience a sense of disconnection from themselves and their own emotions, leading to feelings of emptiness and a lack of connection to the relationship. This can lead to confusion and feelings of loss, as they struggle to reconcile the disconnection with the love they once felt.

Ultimately, disassociation from a relationship can be a sign of deeper emotional pain and dissatisfaction, and it is important for both partners to engage in open and honest communication in order to address these issues and work towards healing and resolution.

Ultimately, disassociation from a relationship can be a sign of deeper emotional pain and dissatisfaction.