Source: Medium

official article excerpt:

Racism and anti-Semitism seen through art: “The embrace” by Cesare Catania

Racism and social pressure in contemporary tapestry of oil canvas

In days like these, full of insecurity and tension, of imminent social and cultural changes and strong political choices, art remains a constant and reassuring presence. It has always been a perfect tool to ask questions about the reality that surrounds us trying to find answers, to create links between events and to draw conclusions. It is also a remedy, a whole system that gives us the opportunity to change focus, calm or increase our feelings and thoughts.
Artists from all over the world put their work to open a dialogue with us on the most difficult issues and pioneering, such as racism and social inequality. They seek not only to raise awareness against these social phenomena, but also to support the people who suffer from them.
The Italian painter and sculptor Cesare Catania is one of the artists who use their art as a communication tool to affirm and take a stand. Born in Milan on February 1, 1979, he developed both in his private life and during his studies a passion for art that blends sculpture and painting, tradition and innovative materials.
Racism and social pressure are some of the themes proposed and elaborated by Cesare Catania over the years. In the tapestry on canvas “Embrace” (2016) he tackles the theme of social injustice and racial inequality. Two human figures in the act of embracing seem to overlap, as if to give each other protection and stability. Consequently, one exists and can exist only as a function of the other.
The embrace is interpreted by the author in the strict sense between a man and a woman, in a broader sense between people of two different colors. It should be noted that despite the complexity of the subject Cesare Catania chooses a very peaceful way to develop it. Using a metaphor of embrace and tenderness, he offers us a very inspiring vision of union and support. The bright and vibrant colors give a sense of energy and motivation with the most positive effect on the viewers. The soft curves suggest comfort, safety and relaxation.
This famous work by the Italian artist and other contemporary pieces by Cesare Catania can be seen during his retrospective exhibition now accessible online on his personal website. The current exhibition is an elaborate version of the 2019 Retrospective that took place last summer in the rooms of the Museum of the Royal Palace of Monza. An updated selection of the best contemporary art paintings by Cesare Catania in the light of current events brings the themes, even those mentioned above, developed by the artist in recent years into a new focus.