HIV - POSITIVE ARTISTS
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.
HIV-positive artist paints with his blood: shocking work «to sensitize young people»
HIV-POSITIVE ARTISTS
'' MISLED NAIVETY ''
Years ago I went to Rome with some friends and through them I met a boy who caught all my attention. Although previously attracted by men, that time I was direct and instinctively determined because the feeling I felt was so strong and illogical. Above all I experienced a physical and spiritual involvement never felt before; even though he was not my man stereotype, this passion came to upset me and make me lose touch with reality, finally it made me slowly abandon my dignity. Obviously it was my instinct to drag me into this experience and I absolutely was not able to predict the catastrophic consequences which I would have been subjected to during a long period of my life, and I am still suffering from them. At the beginning this attraction was mutual, but then it turned into a one-way sense: I was the only one to feel love. I found myself with my ingenuity in front of a person having a lot of experience while I had a few. He looked like a Prince Charming but I couldn’t imagine he was intentionally evil. Unfortunately, after months without any precautions, being healthy and believing that he was healthy too, I thought he would have had the human duty to warn me in case he had been ill so I let myself go. Despite having lost health, freedom, dignity, and many other opportunities in life, today I am lucky to have a person who has been loving me for 18 years. After many years of suffering, isolation and forced silence, I felt the necessity to realize a pictorial work that shows my illness to be shared with the whole world, with the purpose not to arouse compassion or pity, but simply to be true, to create an authentic relationship not only as an artist but as a man. The faith that God gave me the opportunity through the art of communicating the feelings. From this devotion comes the pictorial work '' MISLED NAIVETY ''. Technically it is an unusual work because the colors do not found space in it, but the only thing I used is a pencil and my blood, yes, my blood, you could tell me that's madness, a dangerous act that puts people’s lives at risk, NO! You are wrong ! The blood applied to the canvas was infected originally, but when the virus comes in contact with the air it DIES after a few minutes. This picture is me and my enemy, I want to leave this message on a canvas that expresses my whole life, my pain, the bitterness and the deception which I would not have to suffer from. Today I say: '' Dear ladies and sirs, Raffaele Ciotola in this symbolic pictorial work wants to advise all young people to open their eyes, HIV is always lurking, there are only some therapy but there is no vaccine, be cautious even when the heart blinds you and shows you what you are not able to see or what you can not see due to your immaturity. Always remember that those who love you, they do not KILL you. Do not allow anyone to make you lose your beloved DIGNITY.
The artist Raffaele Ciotola