Infermento is a painting by Patrizio Di Massimo made in 2022, speci fcally for the Kathmandu Triennale 2077. It takes its inspiration from a detail in Parmigianino’s Madonna della Rosa from 1530, in which the Planet Earth is tenderly and somewhat uncannily held by Infant Jesus. Parmigianino’s scene, painted in the early era of European expansion and colonisation of the globe, can hardly be read devoid of that context and the devastation it brought upon the world. Predictably then, in Di Massimo’s painting, the planet is in uproar: limbs protruding from its crust, buildings fallen. An overall chaos seems to reign and mythical fgures surround Parmigianino’s scene in an apocalyptic and grotesquely glorious manner.
The painting however refers both to the past as well as to the future that was born from that past: the destruction of the Earth speaks of the climate emergency as well. The caressing and intimate relationship Infant Jesus has with the Madonna in Parmigianino’s has been utterly catastrophic indeed. Human civilisation is in turmoil — in fermento. Patrizio encapsulates the emptiness within it, as well as the chaos of modern times through the mythical creatures that frame the Earth, suggesting that invisible forces are determining the fate of our planet. One cannot be sure whether the creatures are fghting or conspiring with each other, just that their existence is a chaotic force altering the planet.
Commissioned for Kathmandu Triennale 2077.
The artist’s participation is made possible with support from the Italian Council and Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity.
Designed & Developed by: Curves n' Colors | Visual identity by: Wkshps
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