Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 139

“The Life You Wanted”: A Tale of Tradition and Modernity on Netflix

“The Life You Wanted” is an Italian series created by Ivan Cotroneo and Monica Rametta. It stars Vittoria Schisano, Pina Turco, and Giuseppe Zeno.

Netflix presents the series “The Life You Wanted,” a compelling narrative that intertwines tradition and modernity. This series narrates the story of unique protagonists, delving into themes of gender and identity. Prior to transitioning, the protagonist fathered a child with his friend while still living as a man.

“The Life You Wanted” starts as a cheerful and humorous story but gradually evolves into a more dramatic and emotional tale. It juxtaposes a traditional family perspective against the complex lives of individuals who must confront the consequences of youthful indiscretions in their adult lives. Set against an Italian backdrop, the series explores the passage of time, familial bonds, and human relationships. While it incorporates elements of thriller and intrigue, its core focus remains on the characters surrounding the central figure, Gloria, who stands out as a captivating personality.

Vittoria Schisano delivers a remarkable performance as Gloria, fully embracing the significance of the role and seizing the international platform that Netflix provides.

Plot Summary

Gloria is a successful woman, beloved by all. One day, Marina, her old friend from Palermo, arrives, requesting to stay with her along with her two children. Before becoming a woman, Gloria was a man and, unbeknownst to her, had fathered a child with Marina. Now, Gloria and Marina must navigate the uncertainties of their past, a present fraught with challenges, and a future that demands resolution.

About the Series

“The Life You Wanted” is a straightforward and traditional series, with a character-driven narrative rather than a visually driven one. It maintains a conventional script rhythm, choice of shots, and photographic style. Despite this traditional approach, it tells a story that breaks conventional molds, offering a new perspective on tradition, time, and family life.

The series employs numerous flashbacks to the friends’ earlier lives but follows a chronological structure in the main storyline. It does not rely on an innovative narrative formula or striking visuals to captivate the audience. Instead, it focuses on the central character of Gloria and the development of the supporting characters. It is neither a drama nor a comedy but rather a series that delves into the psychology of its characters, presenting their issues with a touch of humor amidst the drama.

“The Life You Wanted” is crafted with immense care for its characters. The creators appear to refrain from imposing or standing out, allowing the actors and the story itself to take center stage, with Gloria leading the way.

The Leading Role: Vittoria Schisano as Gloria

Vittoria Schisano has been acting since her debut in “Crazy Dog” in 2012. After some years away from the screen, “The Life You Wanted” marks her opportunity to gain international recognition. Schisano offers a heartfelt yet restrained and balanced performance in a role that seems tailor-made for her. She brings depth to the character, making Gloria endearing to the audience.

Our Opinion

If you are looking for a traditional yet unconventional story, “The Life You Wanted” might be what you need. Its blend of familial themes with modern structures may initially seem jarring, but it proves to be engaging and occasionally heartwarming. While it may not be a groundbreaking series, it entertains and delivers strong performances and intimate moments with characters who are hard not to love.

Where to Watch “The Life You Wanted”

Netflix

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“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult”: New Documentary on Netflix

“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” is a documentary on Netflix directed by Derek Doneen.

7M is an entertainment company founded by Robert Shinn. It started as an agency promoting young dancers, securing them contracts and large sums of money. They lived and worked together, and also attended a church supposedly created by the company’s owner, Robert Shinn.

In early 2020, a girl who began dancing on social media with her sister met another dancer. Gradually, they started talking and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where they were selected by 7M. Life changed dramatically as the girl distanced herself from her family and became more involved in Robert Shinn’s religious services. Interestingly, Shinn was also the pastor of the said church.

The Narrators of “The 7M TikTok Cult”

It features exceptional narrators, including the victim’s parents and sister, who share their story and provide videos and phone recordings of events. Additionally, the documentary includes insights from the lawyer who handled the case and other members of the cult led by Robert Shinn.

Structure: A Documentary with Narrative Elements

Although “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” is a documentary, it incorporates many cinematic elements, including a well-crafted script. It doesn’t reveal everything upfront, instead, it unveils details gradually, maintaining the mystery surrounding this con man. The dramatizations are well-executed, with excellent cinematography and a suspenseful rhythm that makes it engaging.

Our Take

This is a sad, dramatic tale of young people deceived by a manipulative individual who exploited them for his gain. However, as a documentary, “Dancing for the Devil” is impeccable in its storytelling, creating intrigue and drawing viewers into the mystery of this cult. Promising eternal life, it instead robbed these young individuals of their labor and dreams.

While “Dancing for the Devil” offers an engaging narrative and high production value, the story it tells is deeply unsettling. It serves as a stark reminder of how easily trust can be manipulated and the devastating consequences that can follow.

Where to Watch “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult”

Netflix

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“Colors of Evil: Red”: A Netflix Serial Killer Thriller

“Colors of Evil: Red” is a Polish movie directed by Adrian Panek starring Jakub Gierszal, Maja Ostaszewska and Zofia Jastrzebska.

“Colors of Evil: Red” is among those films about serial killers, investigations, crimes, and nightclubs that, while not groundbreaking, leave a pleasant aftertaste for the audience. However, don’t expect a Hollywood-style thriller packed with action, chases, and shocking plot twists. Despite its initial presentation, the movie leans more towards dialogue and personal relationships than action and surprises.

Plot

A girl is found murdered on the beach with signs of sexual violence. The police investigate and discover a blood-stained shirt. Yet, everything seems too perfect, prompting a deeper investigation, especially since the victim’s mother, a judge, gets involved. The trail leads to one of the city’s nightclubs.

A Slow-Paced Thriller with More Dialogue Than Action

“Colors of Evil: Red” won’t leave viewers in awe or stick in their minds due to surprising plot twists. It’s a slow, relaxed script focusing more on the psychological depth of the story than providing a fast-paced treatment. Essentially, “Colors of Evil: Red” is a whodunit that lightly criticizes bureaucratic corruption. However, it fails to be a convincing thriller in terms of pace and doesn’t delve deeply enough into its critical aspects.

The film contrasts its light and almost conventional thriller treatment with a storyline involving murders and other police intrigues. Don’t expect a gruesome, violent, or morbid film because “Colors of Evil: Red” adopts a much calmer tone, aiming to please all viewers without truly captivating any.

Cast Performances

Jakub Gierszal plays the investigating officer. He delivers a convincing performance, but his role doesn’t offer opportunities to develop a more complex character since the script doesn’t place him at the dramatic center of the situation.

Maja Ostaszewska shines in her well-crafted role. She excels in dramatic scenes and consistently portrays a dual-faced, challenging, and ambiguous character.

Zofia Jastrzebska is a young actress with immense talent poised for success. We know her from another Netflix series, “Infamy” (2023), where she starred. She brings great talent, remarkable acting, and a strong personality to every scene. She is the standout performer in the film.

Our Opinion

“Colors of Evil: Red” manages to maintain the mystery but fails to make a significant impact visually, thematically, or script-wise. It remains a good genre film—entertaining, mysterious, and easy to watch—that passes through our lives without leaving a lasting impression.

Where to Watch “Colors of Evil: Red”

Netflix

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HRH Prince Nikolaos of Greece to Unveil “NOSTOS” Exhibition at Ethan Cohen Gallery, New York

NEW YORK – Ethan Cohen Gallery is honored to present “NOSTOS,” the first solo exhibition in New York by HRH Prince Nikolaos of Greece, curated by Marilena Koutsoukou. The exhibition will be open to the public from June 5 through July 13, 2024.

“NOSTOS” features a captivating blend of ethereal black and white photography and luminous marble. Prince Nikolaos employs a unique technique of printing abstract and elemental images directly onto marble, inviting viewers to explore the ephemeral space between the tangible and the visionary. This innovative method immerses the audience in the essence of Greek sculpture, capturing the beauty of sand, sea, and light in timeless artistry.

HRH Prince Nikolaos, Methexiisand, 2019, Photography on Marble,
53 x 80 cm, 20 3/4 x 31 1/2 in

The title “NOSTOS” draws from Greek literature and mythology, encapsulating themes of homecoming and return. This concept is deeply embedded in Greek culture and resonates in the epic poems of Homer, particularly “The Odyssey.” The exhibition explores themes of longing, belonging, and the search for identity, reflecting Prince Nikolaos’s journey of self-discovery and remembrance.

Prince Nikolaos’s work frequently depicts the natural beauty of the Greek landscape, exploring his connection to the environment. “NOSTOS” serves as a medium to reconnect with the land, sea, and sky, evoking a profound sense of place and belonging. This holds particular significance for Greeks in the diaspora, who navigate questions of identity, belonging, and displacement. Through his art, Prince Nikolaos addresses these themes by focusing on images of the Greek sky, sea, light, and earth, creating new narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.

The exhibition also includes limited-edition design pieces created in collaboration with Stefanidou Tsoukala Gallery and Alexandra Stratou, seamlessly merging photography and design. By printing on marble, a technique unique to him, Prince Nikolaos pushes the boundaries of photography and modern digital printing, blending the natural elements of Greece with a touch of antiquity. Paired with new black and white photographs on paper, these artworks emphasize form and composition, drawing the viewer’s attention to the fundamental elements of the pieces.

“NOSTOS” promises to offer visitors a dynamic dialogue between eloquent monochromatic marble photographs and innovative design pieces, inviting them to explore the intersection of aesthetics and functionality.

HRH Prince Nikolaos, Together, 2021, Photography on Marble,
53 x 80 cm, 20 3/4 x 31 1/2 in

HRH Prince Nikolaos of Greece: “NOSTOS”

Curated by Marilena Koutsoukou

225 West 17th Street, New York

June 5 – July 13, 2024

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MARS 2120: The “Brazilian Metroid Dread” Goes Gold and Nears Release!

MARS 2120, a metroidvania affectionately dubbed the “Brazilian Metroid Dread,” has officially gone gold, with a definitive release date for all platforms to be announced soon!

A Tribute to Classic MetroidvaniasMARS 2120

Inspired by genre-defining classics and enriched with references from science fiction literature, films, and games, MARS 2120 stands as the most ambitious project by Brazilian indie studio QUByte Interactive. Developed over five years by a dedicated team of just six individuals, this game is a heartfelt homage to the exploration, mystery, and adventure that have captivated players in iconic metroidvanias.

A Milestone for QUByte Interactive

MARS 2120 marks a significant milestone for QUByte Interactive, being their first project developed using the Unreal Engine. The team’s dedication and hard work on such a grand scale, despite being accustomed to smaller projects, have even inspired a documentary. Titled “Journey to Mars,” the film will be unveiled in June, with a teaser already available. It delves into the game’s inspirations, challenges, and the team’s endeavors to create a fitting tribute to the beloved genre.

Community-Driven Development

The community played a pivotal role in shaping MARS 2120, with the game entering early access on Steam in late 2022 to gather player feedback. This collaborative approach ensured that the development process was guided by player observations and wishes.

Final Approval and Release Details

In May, the studio achieved a major milestone by receiving final build approval for the Nintendo Switch, one of the platforms requiring the most optimization to ensure a seamless gaming experience. MARS 2120 is now in its final stages and is set for release in the second half of 2024 on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

About MARS 2120

In MARS 2120, humanity has colonized various planets in the solar system, providing an escape from the increasingly dire conditions on Earth. Responding to a distress call from Mars, Sergeant Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte and her elite team of space marines embark on a mission to rescue the first colony.

Players will navigate a harsh Martian landscape, battling mysterious foes with a mix of ranged and melee attacks and special elemental skills. The game offers a non-linear approach to combat and exploration, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Features and Gameplay

MARS 2120 promises an intense combat experience with cinematic flair, set against a strong sci-fi backdrop that explores themes like space exploration, genetic modification, and artificial intelligence. Developed with the Unreal Engine, the game aims to deliver modern visuals and gameplay mechanics that stand out in the genre. It also includes several accessibility options (visual, audio, gameplay) to customize the experience for all players.

Unleash your power through real-time melee and ranged attacks, acquiring and upgrading combat skills as you progress. Whether you prefer experimenting with different melee combos or eliminating enemies from a distance, the choice is yours. Explore different strategies, discover enemy weaknesses, and survive the challenges ahead!

Stay tuned for more updates on the official release date of MARS 2120. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure that pays tribute to the very essence of metroidvania!

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MADferia 2024: Celebrating 20 Years of Performing Arts Excellence

MADferia, the premier Performing Arts Fair of the Community of Madrid, is proud to announce its 20th edition in 2024. As the only performing arts fair held in the city of Madrid, MADferia continues to attract over 400 performing arts professionals from both national and international stages each year.

For the second consecutive year, MADferia will extend its duration to five days, from June 17 to June 21, and will decentralize its activities with programming in Coslada and Alcalá de Henares, in addition to its traditional venues at Matadero Madrid, Cuarta Pared, and Teatros del Canal.

This year’s event will feature 21 performing arts shows and more than 10 activities specifically designed for professionals in the field.

MADferia, founded in 2005 and promoted by ARTEMAD (Association of Performing Arts Producing Companies of the Community of Madrid), is a platform dedicated to showcasing the latest creations in Spanish performing arts. It offers a cutting-edge program of small- and medium-format performances with a keen focus on productions from the Community of Madrid. The fair’s programming spans theater, dance, circus, family shows, music, street theater, and multidisciplinary proposals. Over its five-day duration, it provides an extensive range of activities aimed at fostering reflection and networking among industry professionals.

MADferia enjoys the collaboration of the Community of Madrid, the City of Madrid, and the Ministry of Culture-INAEM. Additional support comes from Naves del Español, Matadero Madrid, the Arganzuela District, Teatros del Canal, the City of Coslada, the Government of Navarra, the 21 Districts program, Sala Cuarta Pared, and Hotel Gran Legazpi. It also maintains collaboration agreements with Galicia Escena PRO (Performing Arts Fair of Galicia) and the Iberian Theater Fair of Fundão (Portugal), which bring a Galician and Portuguese company to the event each year. Furthermore, the Ibero-American Festival of the Golden Century – Classics in Alcalá contributes two shows to the artistic program.

Dama dictadura de la compañía Hermanas Picohueso – foto de Joan PorcelA Diverse Program for MADferia’s 20th Anniversary

To celebrate 20 years of excellence, MADferia 2024 features 21 productions from eight autonomous communities, as well as a piece from Portugal. These performances will be showcased over five days across eight different venues: Naves del Español, Matadero Madrid, Teatros del Canal, Sala Cuarta Pared, La Jaramilla Cultural Center, Teatro Municipal de Coslada, Corral de Comedias, and Teatro Salón Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares, within the framework of the Ibero-American Festival of the Golden Century – Classics in Alcalá.

Artistic Director Javier Pérez Acebrón has curated this year’s selection from over 1,032 submissions. Highlights include:

Theater from the Community of Madrid: “Nuestros muertos” by Micomicón Teatro, “Cucaracha con paisaje de fondo” by Mujer en obras, “Por la gracia” by Impromadrid Teatro, “Las noches malas de Amir Shrinyan” by Teatro del Astillero and Nigredo Teatro, and the multidisciplinary proposal “La distancia. Cápsulas de memoria” by Société Mouffette (Madrid) and COMA14 (Illes Balears).Theater from Other Regions: “La Tuerta” by Nueve de nueve Teatro (Aragón and Madrid), “Feriantes” by El Patio Teatro (La Rioja), and “Dama dictadura” by Hermanas Picohueso (Illes Balears).Dance: “VAV” by Daniel Abreu (Madrid), “Glass House” by Ogmia (Madrid), “Madrileña” by Cristina Cazorla (Spanish dance and bolero school), “Halley” by Led Silhouette (Navarra), “Cowards” by Àngel Duran Performing Arts (Catalonia), and “Verbena” by Colectivo Lamajara (Catalonia).Circus: “Spiralis” by Bool (Catalonia), “El ventrílocuo” by Figueroa and Company (Madrid), and “Arròs” by Anna Mateu (Valencia).Family Shows: “Marceline” by La petita malumaluga (Catalonia), “El carnaval animal” by Luz, micro y punto (Asturias), and “Crisálida” by Caramuxo Teatro (Galicia), in collaboration with Galicia Escena PRO.

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NewsRevue: The World’s Longest-Running Live Comedy Show Continues to Thrill

Canal Café Theatre & Emma Taylor proudly present “NewsRevue,” the Guinness World Record-breaking, longest-running live comedy show on the planet. This iconic show continues to delight audiences at its home in Little Venice with fresh and timely humor, featuring a new cast every six weeks throughout the year.

A recognized “rite of passage for all comedy newcomers” (Chortle), NewsRevue is a current affairs parody song and sketch show known for its ability to tackle contemporary issues with wit and sensitivity. The show propels audiences through the world’s news at breakneck speed, ensuring a laugh-filled experience. Each week, brand new topical content is injected into the show by a dedicated team of writers and cast members.

In the upcoming run, audiences can look forward to a Britpop opener that promises to become an earworm and the freshest, hottest takes on the Election Campaign.

The show’s alumni include notable figures such as The League of Gentlemen, Sara Pascoe, Bill Bailey, Saskia Reeves, and Michelle Collins. The performers, described as possessing “Herculean levels of talent” (WhatsOnStage.com), are quadruple threats who excel in acting, singing, dancing, and comedy. They are supported by an on-stage musical director and consistently receive 5-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival each year.

Current TeamPerformers: Molly Cutter, Dominic Taylor, Malachi Reid, and Tariyé PetersideDirector: Harry RundleMusical Director: Adam PenningtonShow ListingsRun 4, 2024: Thursday, May 23rd – Sunday, June 30thShowtimes:Thursdays @ 7:30pmFridays @ 9:30pmSaturdays @ 9:30pmSundays @ 7:00pmVenueLocation: Canal Café Theatre, The Bridge House Pub, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London, W2 6NDTransport:Tube: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo), Paddington (Elizabeth Line, Circle & District, Hammersmith & City, Bakerloo), Royal Oak (Hammersmith & City & Circle)Free parking outside after 6:30pm

Don’t miss your chance to see the show that continues to set the standard for live comedy. Expect sharp satire, engaging performances, and a night filled with laughter.

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The Blue Angels – Inside the Lives of the Navy’s Blue Angels: A New Prime Video Documentary

“The Blue Angels” is a Prime Video documentary directed by Paul Crowder.

Prime Video’s latest documentary, “The Blue Angels”, offers an in-depth look at the Blue Angels, the iconic U.S. Navy flight squadron known for their awe-inspiring aerial displays. Formed during World War II, the Blue Angels have evolved into a symbol of aviation excellence, captivating millions with their precise formations and breathtaking maneuvers.

The documentary provides unprecedented access to the lives of these elite pilots. The main focus is on the six primary pilots who perform in the shows, but it also highlights the extensive support crew working tirelessly behind the scenes. From meticulous event planning to rigorous physical and mental training, it takes a well-coordinated team to ensure each performance is executed flawlessly.

Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Blue Angels’ demanding preparation routines, showcasing the level of discipline and dedication required to make each aerial demonstration possible. Beyond the high-stakes performances, the documentary delves into the personal lives of these pilots, showing their family interactions and offering insights into what drove them to join this prestigious squadron.

Importantly, “The Blue Angels” is not a war documentary. Instead, it focuses on the camaraderie, skill, and human side of these military aviators. Through intimate interviews and personal stories, the film paints a portrait of these approachable and likable individuals, revealing what it means to be part of one of the U.S. military’s most elite teams.

For those curious about the world of high-performance aviation and the personalities behind it, this documentary is a must-watch. Available now on Prime Video, “The Blue Angels” invites you to explore the extraordinary lives and training of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. Enjoy the journey.

Where to Watch “The Blue Angels”

Prime Video

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Alvaro Barrington’s GRACE: A Journey through Time and Culture at Tate Britain

LONDON—Today, Tate Britain proudly unveils “GRACE,” a compelling new commission by renowned artist Alvaro Barrington. This immersive installation, integrating sound, painting, and sculpture, transforms the iconic Duveen Galleries into a vibrant narrative space. Barrington’s work celebrates the influential women in his life and reflects on the profound impact of Black culture on his upbringing and artistic practice.

A Tribute to Three Key Figures

“GRACE” centers around three pivotal women in Barrington’s life: his grandmother Frederica, a close friend and sister-figure Samantha, and his mother Emelda. The installation, staged in three acts, intertwines personal history with broader cultural themes, drawing inspiration from Barrington’s experiences of Caribbean carnival culture and his childhood memories in Grenada and New York.

Act One: Shelter from the Storm

Visitors enter the Duveen Galleries beneath a suspended corrugated steel roof, evoking the sensation of seeking refuge from a tropical rainstorm. The soundscape, featuring the rhythm of raindrops and curated NTS radio programs, accompanies compositions by Kelman Duran, Andrew Hale, Devonté Hynes, and Olukemi Lijadu, along with music by Mangrove Steelband. Seating crafted from rattan and plastic, adorned with braided elements and plastic quilts embroidered with postcards and artworks by Teresa Farrell, invites guests to pause and reminisce on childhood memories of safety and shelter.

Act Two: Celebration in the Streets

Emerging from the storm, visitors encounter a four-meter-high aluminum sculpture of a dancing figure, collaboratively created with Barrington’s friend Samantha. The sculpture, standing on a communal steel drum, is embellished with ‘Pretty Mas’ jewelry by L’ENCHANTEUR, a costume by Jawara Alleyne, and nails by Mica Hendricks. Surrounding paintings on scaffolding depict ‘traditional Mas’ characters and carnival revelers, creating a lively carnival streetscape. This act references the Caribbean tradition of ‘J’ouvert,’ where participants dance at dawn, covered in paint, mud, and oil, symbolizing community and celebration.

Act Three: Reflection and Contemplation

The journey concludes in the North Duveen gallery, where light filters through a stained-glass window onto a kiosk sculpture, designed to the dimensions of an American prison cell. The sculpture, surrounded by crowd control barriers and barbed wire, alludes to issues of mass incarceration. Church pews covered with plastic quilts containing pillowcases featuring Barrington’s drawings face this somber scene, evoking the love and fear felt by Black mothers for their children amid state violence.

A Powerful, Immersive Experience

Alex Farquharson, Director of Tate Britain, commented, “We are delighted to present Alvaro Barrington’s largest commission to date in Tate Britain’s Duveen Galleries. Taking us from a tropical Caribbean rainstorm into the busy streets of carnival and leaving us in a reflective, sacred space, GRACE demonstrates Barrington‘s ability to translate personal history into evocative, relatable experiences. We are excited to see how visitors will interact with this powerful, immersive artwork.”

“GRACE” stands as a testament to Barrington’s unique ability to merge personal narrative with universal themes, offering visitors an intimate, thought-provoking experience that resonates on multiple levels.

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First Edition of Giano Art Festival at the Arch of Janus

The Giano Art Festival’s inaugural edition has successfully brought the art of live painting to one of Rome’s most iconic historical settings.

At the Arch of Janus, the fresh creative energy of 15 young artists from various Roman art academies produced effervescent results full of character, talent, and originality as they recreated, live, one of the most important symbolic monuments of the capital.

From 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, without pause, these young artists created works that spanned figurative, abstract, and semantic languages, traversing neorealism, imagination, comics, portraiture, disjointed and futuristic dream visions. Their brushes danced across the square in front of Via dei Cerchi, belonging to artists such as Iacopo Antonucci, Andrea Calcagno, Eleonora Favale, Maria Luisa Figueiredo, Gaye Gunay, Clarisse Hermont, Andrea Lancianese, Carolina Levorin, Ana Mardesic, Arianna Pompeo, Arianna Pontil Ceste, Niccolò Tolaini, Michelangelo Torretti, Daria Tychina, and Alina Zialionaya.

These inspired pieces have managed to bring contemporary forms to ancient history, revealing sensitive and non-didactic visions. The event also had an international flavor, featuring students not only from Italy but also from Portugal, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Belarus, and Croatia.

This initiative, a winning project of a public notice promoted by Roma Capitale in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura and under the patronage of Municipio I Roma Centro, was conceived and curated by Marco Panella. It was produced by the cultural factory Artix with the artistic direction of Danilo de’ Cocci.

“It was an absolute novelty for Rome, for the way we understand it, live it, and create culture in this city,” said Panella. “For the first time, live painting became a narrative language of the future. The 15 young artists of the Giano Art Festival, standing before the imposing Arch, captured and translated its suggestions each in their own way, projecting them into a timeless dimension. The result is 15 canvases filled with energy, expanded sensitivity, evolving perspectives, and liberative cultural contaminations. An event that saw both Romans and tourists stop to watch the artists at work, breathing in the inspirations that moved the artworks as they came to life. A successful event, the first to see the full realization of Paint-L’arte racconta, a cultural platform dedicated to live painting that we launched a few months ago and which already has several other projects in the pipeline.”

“The first edition of the GIANO ART FESTIVAL was a resounding success!” commented de’ Cocci. “In just five hours, 15 blank canvases were transformed by the selected young artists into true works of art, with great enthusiasm from the participants who managed to interpret the essence of the event and infuse the Arch of Janus and its surroundings with their artistic vision. Our task now is to immediately begin planning for the second edition, which we hope will be even more extensive and engaging.”

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