Luigi Doni on Painting as Light, Memory, and Permanence

In an interview with Segno, Italian painter Luigi Doni discusses his artistic philosophy, emphasizing the role of memory, time, and materiality in his work. Doni describes his paintings as spaces where heterogeneous temporalities converge, with images emerging from layers of sedimented memory. He cites influences from Renaissance masters such as Piero della Francesca and Paolo Uccello, whose lessons are transformed into a mental construction within the image. Doni explains that his painting aims to suspend time, creating an 'eternal present' where past and present coexist. He stresses the importance of the physical surface, viewing it as an act of resistance against the digital age's immateriality. The artist also discusses the role of silence and indeterminacy in his work, inviting viewers to actively engage and complete the scene. He sees the human figure as an archetype, stripped of narrative contingencies, and considers painting as a 'second memory of the body.' Doni reflects on his long career, stating that he prefers deepening his exploration of the same territory over seeking new directions, comparing himself to an archaeologist uncovering precious details. The interview includes references to specific works such as 'Amanti 2 versione' (1995), 'Interno Liberty' (1985), 'Le jeu de Pierrot' (1991), and 'Interno e manichino' (1984). Doni concludes that painting remains a place of care, transforming the ephemeral into the permanence of art.