Metallic Paint on Cardboard, Resin and Metal
38 x 47 in
97 x 119 cm
US $ 14,800
In Saint George and the Dragon, Canevari revisits the classical tale of heroism and combat, transforming it into a surrealist sculpture with his signature use of metal, cardboard, resin, and metallic paint. The twisting, open structure of the horse and Saint George contrasts sharply with the dragon, which lies collapsed at their feet in a chaotic, wiry form. The use of metallic green and red paint imbues the piece with vibrancy and tension, as the red of the lance and dragon eyes inject a sense of urgency and danger. The overall skeletal design of both the horse and Saint George lends the piece an air of fragility, juxtaposing the strength and bravery the story traditionally conveys with the ephemerality of form.
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In Saint George and the Dragon, Canevari revisits the classical tale of heroism and combat, transforming it into a surrealist sculpture with his signature use of metal, cardboard, resin, and metallic paint. The twisting, open structure of the horse and Saint George contrasts sharply with the dragon, which lies collapsed at their feet in a chaotic, wiry form. The use of metallic green and red paint imbues the piece with vibrancy and tension, as the red of the lance and dragon eyes inject a sense of urgency and danger. The overall skeletal design of both the horse and Saint George lends the piece an air of fragility, juxtaposing the strength and bravery the story traditionally conveys with the ephemerality of form.
This sculpture draws comparisons to the work of artists like Julio González, who pioneered the use of metal in modern sculpture, creating abstract yet emotionally resonant forms. Similarly, Canevari's work pushes the boundaries of metal and industrial materials, allowing for open spaces that give the figures a sense of movement and lightness. The minimalist representation of both figures leaves room for interpretation, reinforcing the surrealist undercurrent in Canevari's work. By abstracting the forms, Canevari reinterprets the legend, emphasizing not just the physical battle between Saint George and the dragon but also the psychological tension between order and chaos, power and fragility, which gives this sculpture its unique character.