Wolf Tail (Coda di Lupo)

Description

This painting is inspired by Coda di Lupo, a song by Fabrizio De André that, starting from post-war Italy and moving into the year 1977, explores social conflicts through the symbol of Native Americans, or "urban Indians." The song reflects on the final major conflict in Italian society: the one between the extreme left and the largest communist party in Europe, which, in its narrow-mindedness, failed to understand the genuine impulse for change. Unable to capitalize even on the electoral victory of 1975, it was consumed with moralism and austerity. However, my interpretation of this song takes on a much more personal meaning, which, to me, is just as important.

In my painting, Coda di Lupo becomes a reimagining of my life— a sequence of events and situations that sometimes coincidentally align with the song’s text, and at other times, diverge completely. Still, every part of the painting holds significant personal meaning. The figures in the work are friends and individuals who have influenced my life in various ways. The painting also includes symbols representing some of the world’s most widespread religions, each contributing to the narrative. These symbols divide the "slices" of my life and the "slices" of this artwork.

Through the use of symbols and figures, the painting not only tells the story of my life but also explores the tensions, choices, and influences that have shaped my personal journey. It reflects the plurality of experiences, ideologies, and cultures that define the identity of each individual.