Manila, Philippines – February, 2024 – Art enthusiasts are flocking to see the captivating works of Italian-born artist Viviana Riccelli in her first solo exhibition in the Philippines, titled “From the Sea to the Sky in Siquijor.”
Riccelli’s paintings are a mesmerizing blend of intimacy and chaos, drawing inspiration from everyday life, nature’s beauty, and the struggles of the human experience. Her unique style utilizes layers of patterns and silhouettes to create a space where narratives are hinted at but never fully revealed, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the magic of her art.
The centerpiece of the exhibition, “In the Depth of the Sea in Siquijor” (2017), reflects Riccelli’s deep connection to her adopted home, the island of Siquijor. The painting transports viewers to the island’s sun-drenched shores, with its azure hues and energetic brushstrokes.
Riccelli’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by her mentors. Her apprenticeship with the renowned abstract expressionist Nicolas Carone is evident in works like “Eve and Adam the Flight from Paradise” (2022), where a dynamic interplay of lines evokes a sense of movement and mystery. Additionally, her collaboration with the sculptor Beverly Pepper is reflected in the monumental scale of some of her pieces, like the enigmatic “Chaos 23 Rising from the Gorge” (2024).
The exhibition delves deeper into Riccelli’s artistic process, exploring the influence of her surroundings and the people she encounters. Critic Sandra Palomar notes the artist’s ability to capture the essence of the island and its inhabitants, transforming chaos into a harmonious whole.
Riccelli’s artistic career is a testament to her adventurous spirit. Her travels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia have enriched her artistic vocabulary with a depth of cultural and emotional resonance. Since making Siquijor her home in 2011, she has continued to evolve, focusing on automatic painting and abstract landscapes.
While Riccelli’s current works lean towards the abstract, her dedication to the human form remains evident. She continues to create portraits and figurative pieces, underscoring the importance of drawing as a foundation for her artistic expression.
Don’t miss this captivating exhibition, a testament to the power of art to transport us to new worlds and evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions.
