Il Quadro
VISUAL STORYTELLING
Il Quadro
VISUAL STORYTELLING
2018
38° 6′ 0 N – 13° 21′ 0 E
A Surreal Symphony of Faith and Architecture: The Procession of Santa Rosalia
Painted by an anonymous Sicilian artist, “The Procession of Santa Rosalia” stands as a precious testament to the city of Palermo. Currently housed in the international collection of the Fundación Casa de Alba, the painting returned to Palermo in 2019, marking the conclusion of the “ROSALIA eris in peste patrona” exhibition.
In the artwork, portraying a bird’s-eye view of Palermo during the procession, one can admire a crowd of 700 devotees, 24 structures, and 28 ceremonial “machines,” all meticulously depicted in a peculiar style. “Il Quadro,” with its magnifying glass effect, provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the painting. Aside from enabling a profound exploration of the artwork, the installation fosters an intimate reflection on its concealed metaphorical meanings.
Through a vertical video reframing technique, the installation amplifies the artist’s perspective, immersing the viewer within the composition. A “camera tracking” approach reveals the artwork’s rich history, intricate details, and subtle nuances, akin to a symphony harmonizing the strengths and vulnerabilities of the city of Palermo. This technique splendidly celebrates Santa Rosalia’s triumphant arrival, inviting observers to transcend the painting’s bidimensional surface, surpass their initial impressions, and unlock its allegorical messages.
“Il Quadro” provides an extraordinary visual encounter and a distinctive sensory experience, operating like a reset button for one’s sight. The environment plays a pivotal role, becoming an essential element of the storytelling and presenting a fresh sensory outlook. This shift expands the visual dimensions along a new axis, forging an uncharted perceptual ground.
