Pompeii Papyrus evokes the essence of ancient ruins and volcanic remnants. The sculpted handmade paper, with its undulating, almost charred texture, mimics the layers of ash and debris preserved in time. The dominant red and ash-gray hues resonate with the fiery destruction of Pompeii, capturing a sense of historical tragedy and rebirth. This piece’s tactile quality, achieved through the artist’s meticulous layering of paper pulp, echoes the crumpled, weathered remnants of ancient scrolls or papyrus. The raw pigments accentuate the organic folds and crevices, giving the work an almost fossil-like presence.
...more
Pompeii Papyrus evokes the essence of ancient ruins and volcanic remnants. The sculpted handmade paper, with its undulating, almost charred texture, mimics the layers of ash and debris preserved in time. The dominant red and ash-gray hues resonate with the fiery destruction of Pompeii, capturing a sense of historical tragedy and rebirth. This piece’s tactile quality, achieved through the artist’s meticulous layering of paper pulp, echoes the crumpled, weathered remnants of ancient scrolls or papyrus. The raw pigments accentuate the organic folds and crevices, giving the work an almost fossil-like presence.
This piece stands apart by its embodiment of both fragility and resilience. Unlike traditional works on paper, Pompeii Papyrus bridges the gap between painting and sculpture, reminding viewers of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of art to preserve memory. Its abstract form invites parallels with artists like Alberto Burri, who also explored the intersections of materiality, destruction, and rebirth. The unique textural richness of Vanni's handmade paper, however, imbues this work with a distinctly tactile narrative, reinforcing its connection to the ancient world.