Mafonso - Fables in...current

In the history of art, a clear distinction can often be made between figurative and abstract stylistic movements. However, when an artist's goal is to represent an object that resonates with phenomenal reality but is also charged with hidden and symbolic meaning, this boundary can become blurred. Symbolism and Expressionism are emblematic stylistic movements in their conceptual interpretation of reality, with an iconic rendering of images and a symbolic interpretation in the use of color.

In this series of four canvases, Mafonso's language is the same as that used for the "Clones" cycle. The same synthesis of forms is evident through thick, black brushstrokes. The surreal dimension is always the same, decontextualized by the cold, grayish hues. However, in this work, a disconcerting element is added. The artist himself contaminates the surreal dimension he created by suddenly and unexpectedly inserting fragments of concrete reality that resolve themselves into newspaper clippings. The images of real people merge with Mafonso's surreal dimension with precise symbolic intent.

Alfonso Marino, known by his stage name Mafonso, was born in Frattaminore in 1948. Initially, his work moved in the direction of an informal language, later drawing inspiration from the Transavanguardia movement. Mafonso has divided his work into distinct pictorial cycles such as Prime nevi sul dopo 2000 (1983), Make-Make (1988-90), Nevicate acide (1993-97), and Cloni (1998-2002). He has participated in numerous exhibitions and events throughout Europe, including a solo show at Art Basel in 1985. Between 1994 and 1998, he exhibited at Miart in Milan and Artissima in Turin. In 1990, he published the book Makè Makè, which was exhibited at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He was one of the founders of the Cosa Mentale group in 1979.

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