When we think of art, we often think of watercolors by Monet, oils by Rembrandt, marble sculptures, bronze busts, objects of beauty inaccessible to us in the everyday, unless we visit a museum, or buy a small, inadequate replica for the bookshelf. We don't think of use. And when we think of household goods, we imagine linens, furniture, cups and plates-utilitarian objects for utilitarian functions. We don't think of art.
We don't think of Piero Fornasetti. But we should.
It's relatively easy to see beauty and wish to commit to canvas. It takes a special sort of genius to see that same beauty and find a way to recreate it in a common object-to make art with function. Italian artist Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) dedicated his life and unique vision to creating art in every possible form, from wallpaper depicting the city of Jerusalem to window blinds which, when closed, became row upon row of ornate Italian arches.
One of Fornasetti's most well-known and enduring works is his "Variations and Themes," a series of plates depicting the face of 19th century operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri in 350 different poses.
Here, she's sipping from a teacup, there, she's gazing out at you from behind bars. Here, she's wearing a veil, there, she's split in two, a broken classical artifact. Each pose celebrates her beauty, and beauty itself, with creativity and wit.
After his death, Fornasetti's son Barnaba, dedicated himself to replicating his father's most famous work in the same time-honored methods Piero used, including some of the most popular and evocative plates in the " Variations and Themes " series. An intelligent mixture of traditional beauty and modern artistry, these decoupage "canvases" bring art to the everyday life of the kitchen and living room. They can provide an unexpected, gentle touch of humor to a serious conversation, bring a traditional room into the 21st century, or give a splash of visual activity to a neutral palette.
Many of us dream of having a beautifully decorated home, only to settle for old college bookshelves, a value-store dining table and our parents' cast-off sofa and chair. Our "art" consists of a generic print that would look at home in any bank branch or dentist's office. Just because you live an everyday life, don't succumb to the dullness of everyday art. Allow Piero Fornasetti to inspire you to find beauty, comedy, and joy in the common.
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