Location: Italy
Since the early 1990s, my practice has developed as an inquiry into the human condition and the tension between private experience and public narratives. I work across conceptual painting, installation, and critical writing, treating images as sites where power becomes visible: what is framed, what is excluded, and what is made to look “normal”.
At the core of my work is Thinkism, a method where visual practice and critical writing move together. The artwork does not illustrate an idea, and the text does not “explain” an image. Each project is built as a structured argument made of form, language, and context.
On my BLOG, I publish essays, interviews, and thematic hubs that map contemporary art as a field of conflicts and responsibilities. The blog focuses on feminist critique and visibility, studio-process interviews, eco-art and climate urgency, LGBTQ+ and Gender, AI and authorship, art scandals as symptoms of institutional power, and the movements and languages that shape the present.
Alongside my independent work, I publish on Artribune author page.
My painting "The Chinese Dog," a vivid 50 x 70 cm canvas rendered in acrylic colors, is a deliberate, provocative statement against the harsh treatment of dogs, particularly focusing on their mistreatment in parts of China, including during events like Yulin Dog Meat Festival. The festival, which many of us view with grave concern, involves practices that starkly contrast with the festive connotation its name might imply, especially from the standpoint of the dogs. My artwork seeks to challenge and criticize the dissonance between the supposed celebration and the blatant cruelty involved.
The piece itself employs a palette of bright, almost violent colors arranged into chaotic, abstract forms that suggest turmoil and distress—symbols of the turmoil endured by the animals. This choice of style and composition aims to mirror the chaotic and often unseen suffering these animals endure, pulling the viewer into a narrative that is both uncomfortable and compelling. The sharp contrasts and intense hues reflect the stark reality of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for change in these cultural practices.
In using acrylics, I chose a medium that allows for bold, unapologetic expressions of color and texture, underscoring the immediacy and importance of the issue. Acrylic paint, known for its versatility and vibrant color retention, helps convey the emotional intensity needed to make a strong statement against such deep-rooted cultural practices. The size of the canvas also plays a critical role, as its large dimensions command attention, making it an imposing force that confronts the viewer head-on with its message.
This artwork is not just a visual endeavor; it's a socio-political statement, a piece of advocacy aiming to draw international attention to the plight of these animals. Through "The Chinese Dog," I aim to provoke thought, evoke empathy, and encourage a dialogue about the ethical treatment of animals across cultural boundaries. The painting challenges viewers to reconsider the morality of longstanding traditions, questioning whether cultural heritage can or should be preserved at the expense of animal welfare.
Moreover, by incorporating elements that might be seen in traditional Chinese art, such as the use of bold lines and symbolic color choices, I bridge the gap between critique and respect for cultural elements, all the while firmly advocating for a reconsideration of practices that harm living beings. It's an invitation to viewers, particularly those who participate in or are familiar with such cultural practices, to reflect on the possibility of cultural evolution that respects both heritage and animal rights.
"The Chinese Dog" is a call to action, crafted to stir the consciences of its audience, urging them to look beyond the surface of cultural festivities and see the underlying issues that need addressing. In presenting this piece, I hope not only to highlight the suffering that often goes unnoticed but also to inspire a movement towards more humane practices that honor the dignity of all living creatures.
“The Chinese Dog - Yulin Dog Meat Festival Celebration”
My painting "The Chinese Dog," a vivid 50 x 70 cm canvas rendered in acrylic colors, is a deliberate, provocative statement against the harsh treatment of dogs, particularly focusing on their mistreatment in parts of China, including during events like Yulin Dog Meat Festival. The festival, which many of us view with grave concern, involves practices that starkly contrast with the festive connotation its name might imply, especially from the standpoint of the dogs. My artwork seeks to challenge and criticize the dissonance between the supposed celebration and the blatant cruelty involved.
The piece itself employs a palette of bright, almost violent colors arranged into chaotic, abstract forms that suggest turmoil and distress—symbols of the turmoil endured by the animals. This choice of style and composition aims to mirror the chaotic and often unseen suffering these animals endure, pulling the viewer into a narrative that is both uncomfortable and compelling. The sharp contrasts and intense hues reflect the stark reality of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for change in these cultural practices.
In using acrylics, I chose a medium that allows for bold, unapologetic expressions of color and texture, underscoring the immediacy and importance of the issue. Acrylic paint, known for its versatility and vibrant color retention, helps convey the emotional intensity needed to make a strong statement against such deep-rooted cultural practices. The size of the canvas also plays a critical role, as its large dimensions command attention, making it an imposing force that confronts the viewer head-on with its message.
This artwork is not just a visual endeavor; it's a socio-political statement, a piece of advocacy aiming to draw international attention to the plight of these animals. Through "The Chinese Dog," I aim to provoke thought, evoke empathy, and encourage a dialogue about the ethical treatment of animals across cultural boundaries. The painting challenges viewers to reconsider the morality of longstanding traditions, questioning whether cultural heritage can or should be preserved at the expense of animal welfare.
Moreover, by incorporating elements that might be seen in traditional Chinese art, such as the use of bold lines and symbolic color choices, I bridge the gap between critique and respect for cultural elements, all the while firmly advocating for a reconsideration of practices that harm living beings. It's an invitation to viewers, particularly those who participate in or are familiar with such cultural practices, to reflect on the possibility of cultural evolution that respects both heritage and animal rights.
"The Chinese Dog" is a call to action, crafted to stir the consciences of its audience, urging them to look beyond the surface of cultural festivities and see the underlying issues that need addressing. In presenting this piece, I hope not only to highlight the suffering that often goes unnoticed but also to inspire a movement towards more humane practices that honor the dignity of all living creatures.
These paintings present a vivid exploration of the complex narrative of war. Through the use of silhouetted figures and a kaleidoscopic array of colors and shapes, the artist conveys the duality of war's nature—the somber shadows of conflict juxtaposed with the vibrant celebration of peace. The abstract designs infuse the canvases with movement, suggesting the turmoil and subsequent relief that follows. Silhouettes in various stances, from contemplative to jubilant, evoke the universal emotional journey from the depths of war to the heights of human resilience and joy.
The artworks together form a thought-provoking dialogue on the human condition in the face of adversity, capturing both the gravity and the hope that emerge from the cessation of conflict.
"War Party" is a dynamic and colorful painting that contrasts a silhouetted group of figures with a vividly patterned background. The title suggests a celebratory yet potentially ironic theme, possibly touching on the duality of triumph and conflict. The artwork's use of stark silhouettes against a busy tapestry of shapes and designs lends it an energetic and abstract quality, hinting at deeper narratives beneath its playful surface.
"Epilogue of War" is a compelling piece that uses vibrant patterns and silhouetted figures to reflect on the aftermath of conflict. The figures, isolated on distinct, colorful platforms, may symbolize the diverse, enduring impacts of war. The abstract, chaotic background hints at the disruption and fragmentation war leaves behind. With its bold colors and dynamic composition, the painting invites viewers to contemplate the universal and impersonal nature of war's consequences.
The "Future" series captivates with its vibrant exploration of themes tied to the anticipation of what's to come. Through a visual language rich in symbols and abstract imagery, each painting delves into a different facet of the future, from the skies to societal undercurrents.
The pieces are united by a dynamic use of color and form, creating a tapestry of predictions that are as much a reflection of contemporary concerns as they are a prophecy. The artist's brush dances between hope and caution, painting potential realities with a boldness that challenges the viewer to confront the comfort of the present.
Central to the series is a dialogue on transformation—be it in how we communicate, our environmental trajectory, or the very fabric of societal structure. The use of abstract forms allows for an interpretation that is deeply personal yet universally relevant, as each viewer may find their own hopes and fears mirrored within the swirling patterns and fragmented shapes.
In this way, the "Future" series transcends mere artistic expression, becoming a visual forum for pondering the paths that lie ahead. The artist skillfully balances on the edge of prediction and imagination, leaving us to question not only what the future holds but also our role in shaping it.
These paintings present a vivid exploration of the complex narrative of war. Through the use of silhouetted figures and a kaleidoscopic array of colors and shapes, the artist conveys the duality of war's nature—the somber shadows of conflict juxtaposed with the vibrant celebration of peace. The abstract designs infuse the canvases with movement, suggesting the turmoil and subsequent relief that follows. Silhouettes in various stances, from contemplative to jubilant, evoke the universal emotional journey from the depths of war to the heights of human resilience and joy.
The artworks together form a thought-provoking dialogue on the human condition in the face of adversity, capturing both the gravity and the hope that emerge from the cessation of conflict.
WWW.ANTONINOLAVELA.COM
WWW.ANTONINOLAVELA.IT
“War Party”
“Epilogue of War”
“Future City”
“Future Sky”
“Future Hell”
