Stefania Ormas - dall'Africa al Nepal n° 1

Completed in 2005, this work belongs to Stefania Ormas's very first production, presented on the occasion of her first solo exhibition held in the evocative space of the Galleria del Teatro Curci in Barletta. In this inaugural phase of her figurative journey, the artist sensitively addresses the themes of travel and meeting the Other, documenting childhood and daily life between the African continent and Asian lands. Three children, seated on the threshold of a dwelling, become the visual and narrative core. The contrast between the dark interior background and the sharp light striking the faces creates a pronounced chiaroscuro that shapes the forms and emphasizes the subjects’ real and spontaneous postures. The direct gaze of the subjects captures the observer’s attention, establishing an immediate, barrier-free dialogue. The exclusive use of grayscale does not limit expressiveness; on the contrary, it sublimates it. By discarding color distraction, the painting concentrates on the essence of light and on volumes. The painting immediately evokes the charm of old black-and-white documentary photography, granting the scene an intimate, timeless, and unadorned tone. Characterized by thick grooved work and earthy tones, the frame transcends its simple containment function. The perimetral plastic element recalls primordial matter, beaten earth or hand-modelled clay, creating a tactile contrast between the smoothness of the central painting and the roughness of the edge. Stefania Ormas completed her artistic training, earning a degree in Painting from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Terni. She has a prolific exhibition activity behind her, featuring solo and group shows of considerable importance in Italy and abroad. Among the main international art milestones are important galleries and art spaces in Spain (such as the RED03 and Bernet galleries in Barcelona), in Belgium (Brussels). Among the main international exhibition milestones are important galleries and art spaces in Spain (such as the RED03 and Bernet galleries in Barcelona), in Belgium (Brussels) and in prestigious national exhibition venues. Her works are housed in both public institutions and renowned private collections worldwide, stretching from Europe (Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany) to the United States of America. Her research stands out for its constant attention to anthropology and the sensitivity of the represented character.