Ninni Pagano (1969) - Simbiosi abissale

Biografia of Ninni Pagano

Born in Catania in 1969, Ninni Pagano initially pursues scientific studies, a background that will influence the precision and structure of his future works. His entry into the world of art comes through attending the studio of master Antonio Sciacca, with whom he shares a vision of art as a bridge between different eras.

The Poetics: "The Cabinet of Wonders"
Pagano's research is closely linked to the concept of Wunderkammer (Cabinet of Wonders). His works are often conceived as mental spaces where they fuse:

Classicism and Pop: Elements of Greek and Renaissance sculpture are reinterpreted with solid colors and contemporary symbolisms.

Alchemy and Philosophy: The artist probes the enigma of existence through dreamlike figures (such as his famous "Swan Women") and hermetic references.

Matter: He uses blended powders to achieve a chromatic compactness that gives the canvases a virtually sculptural dimension.

Achievements and Recognitions
Although his exhibition career fully took off around 2011, he quickly reached notable international milestones:
Venice Biennale: Exhibited at the 56th edition (2015) inside the show "Grazie Italia" at the Guatemala Pavilion.
Rome Triennale: Participation in the 2014 Visual Arts Triennale Exhibition.
Publications: His work is included in Mondadori's Catalogo d'Arte Moderna (CAM) and in the De Agostini Contemporary Art Atlas.

International Presence: His works have been shown in prestigious venues such as the Altes Dampfbad Museum in Baden-Baden, Germany, and at Art Market in Budapest.
In addition to being a painter and sculptor, Pagano is a connoisseur of antique art. This passion is reflected in the way he "recovers" the past, not to copy it, but to transform it into a grotesque and fascinating language that speaks of the contradictions of modern man.

Abyssal Symbiosis
Abyssal Symbiosis by Ninni Pagano is a surrealist painting that investigates the bond between the human psyche and the depths of the subconscious through a refined and marine aesthetic.

The work stands out for a visual language rich in contrasts and symbolism:

Fiandrese Composition and Detail: The female figure, portrayed in profile with an almost hieratic elegance, recalls Renaissance and Flemish portraiture. The porcelain skin and the elongated neck strongly contrast with the elaborate hairstyle/headwear.

Metamorphosis and Chromatism: The orange and purple headpiece evokes organic and marine forms, enriched by an inset element that resembles a gem or an eye of a mollusk. The brilliant use of orange tones creates a direct chromatic dialogue with the small octopus laid out at the bottom right.

The Octopus Symbol: An iconic element of Pagano's production, the octopus is not a mere decorative element but a symbolic alter ego. It represents fluidity, adaptability, and the primal forces of the subconscious that surface.

Metaphysical Atmosphere: The dark background, devoid of spatial-temporal references, suspends the scene in a dimension of perpetual anticipation and introspection, emphasizing the distant, dreamy gaze of the protagonist.


Instagram:@ninnipagano