Vanni Cuoghi's Pandemic Watercolors and Immobile Journeys
Italian painter Vanni Cuoghi (Genoa, 1966) creates narrative works that blend everyday life with fantastical elements, often resembling small theaters or dioramas. During the 2020 lockdown, he produced 56 watercolors over nearly two months, posting one daily on social media at 6 PM with quotes from literature or newspapers. The final piece depicts the Madonna della Misericordia opening her mantle to reveal a door, symbolizing a return to life and outdoor spaces. Cuoghi cites the American Folk Art Museum in New York and outsider artist Henry Darger as key influences for his diorama series, while the Frick Collection's Bellini painting inspired his 'Magical Paintings' series. A trip to the US West Coast—including Los Angeles, Joshua Tree, and Big Sur—informed his work 'Fluoro nel deserto' from the 'Monolocali' series. Upcoming: a summer exhibition in Ollomont, Val d'Aosta, featuring ink and watercolor drawings of local peaks, a practice Cuoghi describes as meditative and akin to hiking. The article frames his practice as 'immobile travel' during pandemic restrictions.
Key facts
- Vanni Cuoghi is an Italian painter born in Genoa in 1966.
- During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Cuoghi created 56 watercolors, one per day, posted on Facebook and Instagram at 6 PM.
- Each watercolor was accompanied by a quote from international literature or newspapers.
- The final watercolor depicts the Madonna della Misericordia with an open door, symbolizing hope and return to life.
- Cuoghi's diorama series was inspired by the American Folk Art Museum and Henry Darger.
- His 'Magical Paintings' series was influenced by Bellini's 'Ecstasy of St. Francis' at the Frick Collection.
- A US West Coast trip inspired the work 'Fluoro nel deserto' from the 'Monolocali' series.
- Cuoghi is preparing a summer exhibition in Ollomont, Val d'Aosta, featuring drawings of local mountains.
- He describes drawing mountains as a meditative experience and a form of virtual travel.
- The article was published on Artribune in January 2021.
Entities
Artists
- Vanni Cuoghi
- Henry Darger
- Bellini
- Watteau
- Giotto
- Bruegel
- Degas
Institutions
- American Folk Art Museum
- Frick Collection
- Artribune
Locations
- Genoa
- Italy
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- Palm Desert
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Death Valley
- Big Sur
- Monterey
- Morro Bay
- Ojai
- Ollomont
- Val d'Aosta
- Le Grand Combin