Struttura 1967

Rodolfo Arico’s “Struttura” presents us with a lacquered, blood-red form that seems to hover between painting and sculpture. Made by an artist working in post-war Italy, we see Arico engaging with a desire to break free from the weight of history, while simultaneously being formed by it. The socio-political context of the time, with its move towards industrialization and new technologies, surely influenced Arico, who sought to reimagine the very essence of painting. This artwork maintains a formalist approach, pushing the boundaries of material and form. Yet, one cannot ignore the visceral impact of its color. The blood-red hue evokes a sense of the body and passion. It stirs questions about the role of abstraction in expressing deeply felt human experiences, and the ways in which color alone can carry cultural and emotional weight. “Struttura” stands as a testament to the artist's journey. It's an attempt to build a new visual language, capable of resonating with the complexities of human experience.