Federico Pestilli
At the very core of the young Italian photographer, Federico Pestilli’s, latest series “Flowers “ sits this simple message; everything is not going to be okay if we keep this up.
Federico Pestilli
At the very core of the young Italian photographer, Federico Pestilli’s, latest series “Flowers” sits this simple message; everything is not going to be okay if we keep this up. In each composition, Pestilli wraps a flower in plastic. This synthetic “shroud” will, of course, eventually destroy the organic beauty of the flower. Only light, it seems, has a chance to play on both sides of the translucent barrier. In turn, his series, is a metaphor for how our own civilization will ultimately separate us from our primordial nature and that we stand to smother ourselves to extinction. These images are the ultimate still lives, or nature morte, which literally translates to “dead nature,” which the French coined in the mid-18th century. It’s a series most suggestive of the layered symbolism of the genre and its poignant reminders of the transience of life and the ever-present threat of death.
“The merits and shortcomings of plastic reflect humanity’s own virtues and limitations. To govern our daily lives we have created durable materials. From bronze, to iron, to plastics, we have challenged Nature’s own transformative powers. In our desire to control Nature, we invented a tool to separate us from it. Plastic’s primary function is separation. Its property to isolate, contain, protect inner from outer matter provides solutions to many human needs. Its durability or resistance to degradability, on the other hand, represents a threat to living organisms. While seemingly protecting flowers, the synthetic “shroud” eventually destroys their organic beauty. Only light, it seems, has a chance to play on both sides of the translucent barrier.” - Federico Pestilli
“Flowers” is a metaphor for how civilisation separates us from our primordial nature.
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Federico Pestilli
Federico Pestilli is an Italian artist who combines both photography and painting to produce a singular aesthetic that comes to life in the form of large scale studies. Pestilli’s works have a dreamlike quality with confident brush strokes which guide your eye across the contours of his subject.
Originally raised in Rome, Pestilli completed his university studies in Paris, where he received a Master’s degree in history from the Sorbonne. Early work experiences brought him to New York and London where he expanded his understanding of fashion and visual arts.
His international background and multi-cultural experiences are the driving force behind his aesthetics, as he strives to highlight above all the character and identity of the persons portrayed.
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All artworks are available to purchase in the shop. 10% of profits from the sale of Federico Pestilli’s work will go to Space for Giants.
