Firenze

The artist was here: In Villa Lena, Tuscany, Italy, there was a path that led to an abandoned village. The whole place had a mysterious vibe, with some Christmas decorations still hanging, even though it was summer. It didn’t look like anyone was living there—until we saw a table with some fresh cigarettes, which indicated that someone had been there recently. The brush made me wonder if an artist might be living there.

Closed Gallery: On the train to Firenze, I started looking up interesting galleries to visit. It was only that same day that I had decided to go to Firenze instead of Pisa. That’s when I discovered @gallery… was hosting an exhibition of Karel Appel—one of my favorite artists! I was so excited, certain that his paintings would inspire me. With its bold, expressive colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and a childlike, raw energy.

But things didn’t go as planned. I tried visiting the exhibition three times, and each time, the gallery was closed —even though it was listed as open online. I had expected to be inspired by vibrant colours, but instead, I was left with nothing but a closed gallery.

This experience shaped the direction of my painting. Unlike my other works, this one isn’t colorful. It’s painted in shades of grey, with glimpses of color peeking through the grey here and there —just like the inspiration that almost was.

Foto Automatica: This painting is based on a picture I took of one street scene in Florence. From the scene I isolated specific elements that I felt somehow had a connection but more in a contrasting way. The "foto automatica" sign, from a passport photo booth, together with the poster of a portrait, illustrates how effortlessly one can capture a photo—just a simple step to grab a plain and leave your home, for any destination. This convenience is painfully contrasted by the engraved words "Free Palestine," a reminder that, for many, leaving their situation isn’t as simple as taking a quick snapshot.

This image, captured in Italy, adds another layer of meaning, as the country has seen a massive influx of immigrants from the Middle East.

The seer’s door: Walking through a new city comes with many impressions. Everyone will have something different that catches their eye. For me it was this ordinary wall with this tiny door, which I painted about life-sized. The door felt a bit like the mystery in the everyday. Why is there a small hatch like a door at this quite random position in the wall? What makes those stickers and graffiti so significant? And why is the word "illegal" etched there with such weight?

One sticker catches the attention. SEER. Someone who is believed to have the ability to foresee the future or have visions. It’s almost as if the painting is saying, “I see that you’re looking.” So while you’re looking at the painting, it is also looking at you in a certain way.

Doors represent new beginnings for me. Closed doors are not negative; they’re simply waiting to be opened, to reveal what lies beyond. But it’s unknown. There’s a certain thrill in choosing the unknown path, taking the risk of what life might bring. The mystery of this painted door beautifully symbolises that.

This title connects both the mystery of the door and the intriguing sticker with "SEER" on it. It connects the idea of the unknown and the concept of trying to foresee what lies beyond.

Window shopping: This painting is based on a poster I passed by in the streets. I recognised chiquita banana and thought it was funny so I took a picture of it. Only to discover later that it’s another artist’s work. The poster, titled "La Vetrinetta Della Barbie," refers to the artist's use of Barbies displayed in a shop window in a sexualized way.

I added the symbols to the painting which some of you might reconise from dating apps. The title "Window-Shopping" reflects on this conceptual layer of the artwork. Just like the act of "shopping" for connection or attraction by superficial judgment based on appearance or presentation. Will we swipe Chiquita left or right?

I was reminded of the old master paintings, full of symbolism, where the lemon would stand for beauty on the outside but sourness within—which back then, could be a comparison to humans. I like that "Chiquita" also represents a fruit, or is known as the label on the banana. In that sense, this painting could be a modern version of portraying fruits with a message.