As we wander through the narrow streets of the historic center of Oristano, a small glass door catches our attention. It is the door to an art gallery, small but welcoming, which invites you to discover the works kept inside. Curiosity pushes us to imagine who the creative mind behind that place is: perhaps an elderly man with an affable appearance, a kind lady involved in a cultural association, or perhaps a young woman with a lively look. However, when we finally cross that threshold, we are greeted by a surprise: Gianluigi Concas, an exponent of generation X, an experimental electronic musician with a very particular irony.
In his paintings, we find his unique attitude. Although made with delicate watercolors, his subjects express his vision of the world with a subtle melancholy irony. Through the glimpses of a provincial town, the views of the industrial port and the modest animals of the farmyard next to the horses of the most important medieval jousts on the island, Concas takes us on an emotional and evocative journey. In addition to these landscapes, he also portrays musical idols such as David Bowie and Kurt Cobain, adding a touch of nostalgia and admiration to his work.
Talking about art in Sardinia
Speaking with Gianluigi about the Sardinian cultural panorama and its influences, a fascinating picture emerges. His cultural and musical experiences intertwine with his artistic production in unexpected ways. As a young man, he was immersed in sound experiments and underground culture, influenced by artists such as Battiato, Battisti, Piero Ciampi and King Crimson. His mind was shaped by the ideas of the situationists and by psychogeography, which still lead him today to explore the city and the suburbs with a lateral and aimless gaze. This cultural background, although not used systematically, permeates his work, enriching it with meanings and suggestions.
A plastic head as a muse
A constant in Concas’ works is the recurring presence of a plastic head, a mannequin that has observed the passage of time in the courtyard of his house. This figure, exposed to atmospheric agents and shaped by the elements, becomes a symbol of artificial dignity and silent observation. I see a reference to cinematographic works such as “Her” by Spike Jonze and “I love You” by Marco Ferreri and it further demonstrates Concas’ deep interest in human nature and its complexity.
Cartoons before watercolors
When we talk about his artistic training, Concas reveals that he was first a cartoonist, immersed in the indie scene of the 90s and 2000s. His artistic path was influenced by his search for expressive freedom and his criticism of the dominant society. Today, his painting is a journey of personal introspection, in which he lets his deepest emotions and sensations flow onto the canvas.
New perspectives emerge from the landscapes painted by Concas. Although they may seem like realistic representations, each painting is imbued with his personal interpretation of the world. Concas does not try to faithfully reproduce what he sees, but rather transforms reality through his sensitivity and his unique vision. I am particularly struck by his idea of freedom as a way to “see the things that surround you with new eyes, experiencing sensations buried in the depths of the soul or in the corners of the psyche, and this leads to inner renewal”
Meet him during the next Life Drawing Holiday
His paintings thus become theatrical stages, in which each element has a profound meaning and interacts with the others to create an intense visual and emotional experience.
The art of Gianluigi Concas is a fascinating journey through the emotional and cultural landscape of Sardinia. Through his paintings, he invites us to explore new worlds and reflect on the complexities of life and art. If you want to immerse yourself in this unique experience, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the next Life Drawing Holiday in Cabras, from 16 to 21 September 2024, where you can discover the art of Concas and much more.
