Ethereal Freedom: Archita, Taranto, and the Sky as Theater of the Soul

I am thrilled to present my latest creation, a piece that embodies the legendary genius of Archita from Taranto and the ethereal atmosphere of his hometown.

With a gaze directed towards the infinite alongside his dove, Archita emerges from the canvas, in persistent pursuit of freedom and prophetic vision. I have sought to capture not only the imposing figure of the philosopher and inventor but also his connection with the sky and his dreams of flight and hope without attachment.

The dove (representing myself), delicately held in Archita's hand, symbolizes his relentless quest for knowledge and truth. Like a prophet of ancient times, Archita dreamed of soaring high in the sky, inviting viewers to lift their gaze towards broader horizons and contemplate the infinity of the cosmos with him. Inside the tail of the dove, I aimed to represent a vagina through the philosophical concept of the "ANIMA MUNDI," which refers to the idea of a universal soul that permeates and connects all things in the universe. The dove also aims to represent purity and spirituality, while the vagina symbolizes the creative source of life and rebirth. This fusion of symbols evokes the interconnectedness between the divine and the earthly, inviting the viewer to reflect on the sacredness of life and its continuous regeneration, especially in a historical period like the one we are going through.

The prevalence of white in the drapery aims to emerge as a protagonist, transporting the interlocutor into a world of vibrant emotions. Over these 8 months of introspective research, I have sought to understand the importance of white in creating depth and meaning, a journey through the light and darkness of the human soul. Every single hatching, every shadow, is an ode to the beauty and fragility of human existence, capturing the essence of our inner duality. I am a passionate Apulian artist of hyperrealism and philosophy, and with this piece, I wanted to celebrate the extraordinary figure of Archita and the cultural heritage of Taranto. Through my work, I seek to convey my deep emotions and stimulate reflection on universal themes.