Federico Alibrio - Strix - Barn Owl

Strix – Barn Owl by Federico Alibrio

Description of the work:
With "Strix", the artist Federico Alibrio reinterprets the ancestral figure of the barn owl, transforming it into a totemic guardian, still and solemn. The work rises on a geometric wooden pedestal, creating a sharp and elegant contrast between the rigid linearity of the base and the organic, almost fluid, shapes of the glazed ceramic.

The conceptual heart of the sculpture lies in the face. The characteristic facial disc of the barn owl, here rendered in a warm and intense ochre-gold hue, emerges like a light mask from darkness. It is the symbol of the intuition that pierces the dark, of the wisdom that sees where the human eye stops. The eye sockets, deep and inscrutable, capture the observer’s gaze, inviting him to silent and introspective contemplation.

The animal’s body blends through a magnetic color palette: the shades of turquoise and verdigris, rich in veining and vibrant textures that respond splendidly to light, evoke the magical atmospheres of nocturnal forests and the moon’s reflections on the vegetation. Toward the tail, the color dissolves into a chalky, pure white, almost suggesting the immaterial and spiritual nature of this creature, historically considered a messenger between the earthly world and the unknown.

The artist’s signature and the year of creation are inscribed directly on the ceramic, sealing the authenticity of a unique piece, where artisanal craftsmanship meets deep mystical and naturalistic inquiry. A magnetic artwork with great presence, perfect for an audience of contemporary art collectors.

The piece, unique and original ceramic, was modeled in clay and fired, subsequently ceramicized with glazes. The sculpture rests on a pine wood base that becomes part of the artwork itself.
The work will be shipped with careful packaging and the corresponding certificate of authenticity.

The Italian artist Federico Alibrio, born in 1995, is always seeking inspiration to grow through new experiences.

Graduated in Sculpture in 2021 from the Academy of Fine Arts of Catania, he works in sculpture and painting. He has participated and continues to participate in high-profile cultural exhibitions and symposia, demonstrating commitment and seriousness in tackling sculptural practice.

Reality itself is the greatest source of inspiration. His passions are: wild animals (sensitive to endangered species) and trees.
His goal is to display the beauty of nature.