FAMOUS ARTISTS RAFFAELE CIOTOLA
''THE MADONNA OF THE HOMOSEXUALS''
IN MEMORY OF HOMOSEXUALS VICTIMS KILLED DURING THE NAZI REGIME
ART AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA
"STOP HOMOPH ART"
The Movement was founded in 2003, Italy by Raffaele Ciotola.
The scope of the movement is to discourage racist attitudes and homophobic behaviour that arise when a glbt homosexual work of art is exhibited to the public. The idea is to spread cultural awareness and respect in the struggle against homophobia. Mr. Ciotola firmly believes that painting, like music, is a direct and universal Language sending messages and spreading ideas with even more immediacy than literature. In fact, his works express the cultural structures involving the male and female, of love between men,love between women, transgender experiences,discrimination,violence and refusal. "The Artist creates freely in the struggle against prejudice and ignorance. Through his creativity he attacks the very source of homophobic attitudes and bravely upholds a revolution in new cultural standards of behaviour. It is both necessary and urgent to achieve this goal, to be trusting and win trust,where difference actually makes the difference and is enrichening;where the beholder of the work of art may find room for his emotions. This movement arises from the need to spread a message coming from the heart, but that is too often filtered by society in terms of religion or politics, and therefore often distorted and hypocritical. This deprives the person of their dignity,sense of freedom and respect as an individual. The most important work of Raffaele Ciotola is the "Madonna of the Homosexuals", painted between 2003 and 2007 and dedicated to the many thousands of homosexual victims murdered by the nazis. The artist attempts to express in this oil painting the immense grief experienced in his very soul by creating a work of art of great ethical and moral value thus creating the very manifesto of "Stop Homoph Art". The iconic impact is unusual and differs from the traditional Virgin and Child; the language is straightforward and nonconformist. In the the painter's words: "I chose Maria as an historical and religious figure, because she alone can represent a work of art meant to communicate a genuine feeling of love and goodness. The brushstrokes are at times few and fragmented in the soft folds of the dress of the female figure,and then more precise and detailed in the outline of her face and in the decorative and symbolic elements. Colour is used in different shades and contrast with the cold and warm tonalities and the complementary colours of the blue and orange cloak. The light is soft coming from the very face of the Madonna as if she were radiating a cosmic energy embracing humanity itself. The composition rests on a central axis where the Holy Child with the globe in its hand, rests on the clasped hands of the Virgin Mary. The symbols grasped in the other hand by the holy child depict the symbols of the homosexual world. The delicate chiaroscuro enhances further the vertical effect. More symbols and decorations are present on the frame itself, together with the title, and from right to left of the virgin's halo, are the Alfa and Omega which symbolize God and Eternity, the Beginning and the End. The pink triangle was sewn on the uniforms of the gay victims by the Nazis according para §175 StGB Law inhibiting homosexual behaviour and represents the movement that the artist Raffaele Ciotola has created, inviting all to support it, in the name not only of humanity but of human rights. Art can play a fundamental role in the struggle against prejudice and specifically, homophobia. Art can teach to tolerate homosexuality and in the words of Picasso : In the face of human tragedies, Picasso once said "Artists cannot and must not be indifferent" .
Prof.ssa Michela Marconi
The main character of my work is Mary, whom I portrayed not as a religious figure, but as the timeless historical mother symbolizing immense love - the kind that accepts, protects and supports every single human being unconditionally and without distinction. The Madonna not only embraces in a single gesture Jesus the Child, but all humankind, represented by the terrestial globe she holds in her hand. Her loving gaze is not only directed at her Son but also embraces all those sons who are homosexuals, represented by gay male and female symbols which the child Jesus clasps in his hand.In order to bind even more closely the madonna to her homosexual children, I chose the same heraldic symbols above her head using the colours of the Gay flag and two bouquets. Those very flowers have two meanings:the one means happiness for homosexual unions whilst the other is in remembrance of all those homosexual victims who tragically and unjustly met their death. I mean all the victims who are officially registered in the documents but have been forgotten for too long. The nazi victims especially, who suffered discrimination and fear of gender difference caused by ignorance and the fact that homosexuality is a condition and not a choice. Society has ignored for too long who the "pink triangles" were and it seems that the gay community has also forgotten today. With this work, I would like to awaken the memory of so much suffering and also stir the consciences of all concerned by offering this token of remembrance through the holy Lady which I have portrayed. I am convinced that no other than she could express the suffering of all those families who lost their sons only because they happened to be 'different'. Many things are slowly changing today in many countries . The GLBT community is gradually becoming more and more respected thereby restoring the hopes and dreams denied so cruelly to the homosexual victims of Nazism. In my simbolic portrayal, Mary is the mother of humankind, oblivious to differences, dispensing her Love to all.
Raffaele Ciotola: Pioneer of Contemporary and Social Art
Raffaele Ciotola is a renowned Neapolitan artist, born on October 17, 1964, who stands out in the contemporary art scene for his ability to combine aesthetic innovation with a strong social commitment. His artistic career is characterized by a revolutionary approach that redefines the boundaries of modern art and explores relevant themes such as inclusion, civil rights, and social justice through works of great emotional and visual impact.
Training and Artistic Influences
Ciotola is a self-taught artist who has skillfully integrated various artistic currents, drawing inspiration from both the tradition of Neapolitan art and international avant-gardes. His research has always focused on the interaction between art and society, using art as a vehicle for messages of change and reflection.
The "Stop Homoph Art" Movement
One of Ciotola's most significant contributions was the founding of the "Stop Homoph Art" movement in 2003, which marked a significant turning point in how art can be used to raise awareness of social issues. This movement has emerged as a powerful voice against homophobia, using art as a means to promote tolerance and respect. Among his most iconic works within this movement is "The Madonna of Homosexuals," a painting that symbolizes the connection between spirituality and the defense of human rights, making the figure of the Madonna a symbol of acceptance and inclusion. This representation has challenged traditional conventions of religious art and sparked important debates about artistic freedom and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
"Rock Art Ciotola" and the World of Icons
In 2018, Ciotola launched the "Rock Art Ciotola" project, which further pushed the boundaries of pop art by merging rock culture with icons from history and entertainment. Through the use of stylized tattoos, rebellious symbols, and a strong disruptive aesthetic, Ciotola has reinterpreted the most emblematic figures of our time, such as musicians, actors, and leaders, exploring the power these characters exert on the collective imagination. This series has captured the attention of galleries and international collectors, elevating pop art to new heights of complexity and social critique.
"Finger Art Ciotola" and the Revolution of Technique
With his latest artistic exploration, "Finger Art Ciotola," the artist has once again challenged conventions, abandoning traditional art tools such as brushes and spatulas to paint exclusively with his fingers. This direct and personal approach has allowed Ciotola to establish a more intimate physical connection with his works, creating paintings that convey not only visually but also tactilely a great emotional energy. The use of fingers as an expressive medium introduces a new dimension in art, allowing for the exploration of textures, colors, and forms in innovative and unconventional ways.
Recognition and International Impact
Raffaele Ciotola's works have received recognition in numerous countries, with exhibitions and participation in significant international events. His shows have attracted the attention of critics, gallery owners, and museum curators, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and controversial Italian artists of his generation. His transgressive approach and ability to stimulate profound reflections on pressing issues make him a prominent figure in the world of contemporary art.
A Manifesto of Artistic Innovation
Raffaele Ciotola is not only a visual artist but also a true cultural innovator. Through his art, he addresses complex themes and stimulates public discussion on issues of civil rights, equity, and social justice. His works, rich in chromatic intensity and refined chiaroscuro technique, create a unique synergy between aesthetics and content, making them accessible to a wide audience. Each piece is an invitation to reflection, an exploration of human emotions and the challenges of contemporary life.