Argonauti

Valerio Adami, an Italian artist, is a prominent figure in Neo-Figurative art, a contemporary movement that emerged in the early 1960s in cities like Paris, London, and New York. Neo-Figurative art emphasizes figurative painting and explores the hidden relationships between everyday reality and mythology, while addressing contemporary human conditions such as media and politics. Beginning in the 1970s, Adami turned his focus to political themes, integrating modern European history, literature, philosophy, and mythology into his works. His paintings are characterized by flat, vibrant colors outlined with bold black lines, creating a distinct and stylized aesthetic that defines his unique visual language.

In Adami’s paintings, fragmented everyday objects and fantastical creatures coexist enigmatically with historical figures. Politicians, artists, and fictional characters from novels all share space on Adami’s mysterious stage, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

One notable work, Argonautai, features Jason, a figure from Greek mythology. “Argonautai” refers to the sailors of the ship Argo, who accompanied Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. Through the fragmented arrangement of mythical characters and mundane objects, Adami reveals the hidden connections between ordinary life and mythology, offering a unique perspective on their interplay.