The Musicians

Some time ago I was copying Caravaggio's “The Musicians” at The Met.

Spending so much time in front of a great piece of art forces one to focus and slow down. Small details that you have not noticed before become important. Things that were irrelevant suddenly make sense and contribute to the impact. You gaze and contemplate and get into an almost meditative state of mind. I was also doing a lot of research at a time. I was trying to improve my understanding and maybe get into Caravaggio’s head a little bit. I have learned quite a few things - about the artist and about his technique. I also came up with a “reverse chiaroscuro” idea - starting with wild colors and then tuning them down with many layers of white and gray. 

I broke down the original painting into the separate figures because I think that the composition allows it as there is no interactions between the characters. So, I've decided to put every buy in his separate space, to allow my viewer to reflect and communicate with each musician one-to-one, to share the feeling I had when working with the painting directly.

Caravaggio included his self-portrait in what was his first big commission. How different from us was he really, going for a selfie? How important was it for him to look at the viewers and know that they will admire not just his work but also his good looks? What was a song he was singing?

I am guessing and reimagining Caravaggio painting in the modern world, with the availability of cheap bright pigments, instant exposure of Instagram and brutal competition of the modern world.

“Mario”, “Ruptura”, “Amerighi”, “Lost in Translation”, “Cupid”, “The Lost Boy”

acrylic on canvas

36x46