Pensiero unico ammorbande ridondante

(Don’t mortimerize yourself)

The work aims to denounce the harm that "single thought" causes to individuals and society. In various fields nowadays, most conveyed messages, which may seem innocuous at first glance, actually conceal Manichaean ideas of non-acceptance of any kind of criticism or discussion, and they convey the germ of hatred towards those with opposing opinions. The anthropomorphic figure (Mortimer*) represents a person "bombarded" from every direction (Internet, smartphones, television, radio, newspapers, other people) by arrows symbolizing messages. These messages, within a beautiful, "colorful," and seemingly inviting envelope, contain the black "poison" of wanting to crush any idea that dares to question the general "narrative" being imposed. The green line on the edge of the figure represents its conscience, the ability to think and process a critical judgment. Under constant bombardment, this barrier soon gives way; the arrow pierces the defenses, and the poison spreads inside the figure and its mind, black taking over the once white space. But this process is not painless; the poison makes its way, and the person suffers and contorts. Having abandoned all resistance and unable to withstand it any longer, the person begins to be part of the mechanism, "spitting" out only more hatred towards those who do not conform to common thinking, symbolized by the black arrows coming out of the mouth. The dark background given by the visible Masonite intends to represent the dark and "foggy" atmosphere in society today. Let's avoid becoming like Mortimer* from the movie, only capable of "killing" others with words without any kind of critical thinking.

*The name is inspired by a character from the movie "They Call Me Trinity" (1970, written and directed by E.B. Clucher, a pseudonym for Enzo Barboni) starring Terence Hill and Bud Spencer. The character in question, Mortimer, played by Dominic Barto, is a killer who never changes expression.

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[Acrylic, solid marker, pvc, glue on masonite]

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<Photo Eva Volpato>