Sergio Fermariello
may 3 — june 15, 2024
Fermariello's anthropomorphic alphabet is based on just two essential elements, the letters 'i' and 'o', i.e. the lance and the shield of his warrior-men that are infinitely replicated, in a gesture of repetitive compulsion pursued with the intent of exploring the possibilities and limitations of language.
The artist's characteristic signs/warriors emerge from the tri-dimensional surfaces of canvas on steel or follow one another in sequence on canvas and paper like archetypal writings. Since 2000, the artist has made use of the technique of laser cutting which allows him to modulate the volumes and the voids of the surfaces, suitably spaced from the bottom of the panel, as in a perforated high relief. The sign appears as if it were removed, a wound, which remains suspended in the void.
In his most recent works on show, the artist's signs seem intent on conquering a new dimension of freedom, bursting with even greater force into space from chromatically saturated and brilliant backgrounds.
Horses and horsemen armed with their spears and their shields emerge from the wall in the form of signs expressing the state of emergency that characterizes our contemporaneity and remain universal symbols capable of narrating the eternal struggle of men of all ages.