Figurative sculptures originate from drawings. In the last years of the 19th century, many masters of this art were living in Italy, and I believe a lot of individuals have been inspired by this legacy.
 
The idea to keep a diary, written but predominantly graphic, came spontaneously to me during my long stay in China and I have kept a diary while visiting other countries in the world. These red papers illustrate their place and date of origin.
 
"Drawing" and "volume" are the two starting points for the development of a sculpture; I usually draw the subject in "white" and I prefer to draw on dark paper. For these “sketches” I used newspaper; if white represents light, red is the father of all colours.
 
In the not so distant past, Chinese propaganda made use of these papers; red was an almost mandatory choice for them, being the symbol of numerous revolutions.
 
I like to outline my drawings with this tonality, in accordance with the theme or the rhythm of the subject. Drawings are always constructed from memory; the line is free and complex, at times biting or aggressive. I do not like to erase; but at times, I correct or modify certain details. I meditate for a long time on all my drawings or portraits, and the themes I deal with re-emerge from my memories, like butterflies that grow and transform in their own cocoon.
 
Some events of the past influence and inhabit our present, sometimes more than the present itself; their metamorphosis transforms itself in my “theme” drawings, which project themselves against today’s background, like an unresolved reality, which demands an answer. I believe todayʼs background is one of hope; in oneself, and for the whole of mankind, and is drawn on red paper.
 
-- Franco Anzelmo
 
Opening Reception: November 6, 2010. 4:00pm - 8:30pm