Archival Giclée Pigment Print on Archival Paper
Limited Edition of 5
42 x 42 in
107 x 107 cm
US $ 4,200
This photograph from the Guatelli series features two wire figurines set against a rusted metal plate, which Ragazzini illuminated, transforming it into a luminous orange background with rich, warm hues. The figurines, though shaped from rough, twisted wire, evoke human forms in motion—seemingly frozen in the act of dancing. This adds a layer of narrative to what might otherwise be static objects, as they appear to come alive within Ragazzini’s composition. The image exemplifies his talent for elevating humble, everyday objects into works of art, resonating with the mission of the Fondazione Ettore Guatelli Museum, which celebrates the craftsmanship and functionality of tools and artifacts from rural peasant life.
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This photograph from the Guatelli series features two wire figurines set against a rusted metal plate, which Ragazzini illuminated, transforming it into a luminous orange background with rich, warm hues. The figurines, though shaped from rough, twisted wire, evoke human forms in motion—seemingly frozen in the act of dancing. This adds a layer of narrative to what might otherwise be static objects, as they appear to come alive within Ragazzini’s composition. The image exemplifies his talent for elevating humble, everyday objects into works of art, resonating with the mission of the Fondazione Ettore Guatelli Museum, which celebrates the craftsmanship and functionality of tools and artifacts from rural peasant life.
We are not here in front of a mere photographic record; Ragazzini approaches every object with an artist’s instinct and a unique vision, carefully manipulating light, shadow, and texture to transform mundane items into evocative visual statements. His photographs are imbued with a vibrancy that transcends the humble origins of their subjects, capturing moments of movement, narrative, and life. His treatment of everyday objects recalls the inventive spirit of photographers such as Man Ray, yet Ragazzini's distinct approach is grounded in an appreciation for the raw, tactile essence of his subjects. This fusion of creative vision and nuanced artistry allows him to blur the line between reality and abstraction, creating powerful visual stories.
Ragazzini’s photographs of the Guatelli Museum's collection were artfully curated into the book I Giorni, Le Opere: oggetti d'uso della vita contadina [Days and Works: Everyday Objects of Peasant Life], published in 1988. The title mirrors Works and Days, the major work by 8th-century BC Greek poet Hesiod, which offers practical farming advice and underscores the necessity of human labor. This reference to timeless themes of toil and daily life in I Giorni, Le Opere is enriched by six poems from Attilio Bertolucci, father of renowned film director Bernardo Bertolucci, linking Ragazzini’s evocative imagery with Bertolucci’s poetic reflections on rural culture and tradition.