Sir Bumboom

DIMORFISMI OCCASIONALI - OCCASIONAL DIMORPHISMS - Thanks

2012-01-29T02:06:00.000-08:00

Un ringraziamento a Gianluca, a Tony e a tutto lo staff di Anadema che ospita la mostra e a tutti coloro che sono venuti all'inaugurazione. Un caldo ringraziamento a Marq Pax che mi ha ispirato nello sviluppo del progetto e che mi ha permesso di conoscere alcuni dei maggiori parrucchieri del mondo i quali hanno ispirato le opere in mostra. Come lui dice sempre "Un taglio per me non e' una fine, ma sempre un inizio." ecco, come si puo' non condividere il senso del suo pensiero?

Thanks to Gianluca, Tony and all the staff at Anadema which is hosting the exhibition, and to all those who have come to the inauguration. A warm thank to Marq Pax who inspired me in the development of this project and that allowed me to meet some of the greatest hairstylists in the world who have inspired the works on display. As he always says "A cut for me is not an end but always a beginning." How can anyone not agree on the meaning of his thought?

DIMORFISMI OCCASIONALI - OCCASIONAL DIMORPHISMS

2012-01-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

Oggi si inaugura la nuova mostra questa volta dedicata a un tema non scottante.

Grand Opening today for an exhibition on a not-hot topic.

Introduzione

Da quando l’uomo è uomo e soprattutto da quando la donna è donna...[] E in questa mostra possiamo cogliere le intuizioni dei grandi nel campo, 12 tagli per altrettanti apostoli della tendenza, filosofi del pettine e atleti dello shampo, da Marq Pax a Vivette, da Raspazzolla a Biagia X, i quali attraverso le opere del Rui esprimono i loro lati migliori e il pensiero che li muove e che non può che colmarci di sana meraviglia.

Tanio Boccia

Ever since man is man and especially since a woman is a woman ...[] And in this exhibition we can grasp the insights of the Great in this field, 12 haircuts for as many apostles of the trend, philosophers of the comb and shampoo athletes, from Marq Pax to Vivette, from Raspazzolla to Biagia X, who through Rui's works express their best sides and the thoughts that move them, and that can only fill us with a healthy wonder.
Tanio Boccia

HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON

2012-01-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY YEAR of the DRAGON

OPEN BOX Art Gallery - Taichung - Taiwan

2011-08-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

I have recently participated to this collective exhibition organised by the OPEN bOX Gallery in Taichung. I have been invited by the gallery's owner, Mr. Lin whom I have met through a friend, Mr. Hung Yi 洪鴻溢 a Taiwanese artist, whose lively and colourful work has been displayed besides all over Taiwan, also in many exhibitions around the world. Each artist has been given a 60x70cm canvas and a model sculpture such as the ones shown in this invitation and asked to return them painted or modified in each one's own style.

You can see the pictures on http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178449478888900

Mine have been dealing with the idea of "adaptation" in an urban society.

HISTORY 51 - 1499 The DUCAL AERIAL CARRIAGES - Delle Aerocarrozze Ducali

2011-06-08T01:45:00.000-07:00

Quandunque lo popolo sovrano trovuossi strento di là né propri confini sanza sperantia d’evader lo impedimento de lo franco invasore, solamente l’ausilio opportunissimo de l’aerocarrozze ducali permise la salvatione de lo Duca, lo suo tesoro, li suoi tredici pavoni nonché de li figli suoi e di tutti l’altri lacchè. In sempiterna memoria di detta eroica impresa, cogitata da lo grando Lionardo di Tuscania, gli Sforza, le arti et li mestieri con lo volgo puosero.
MDXXI

Whenever the sovereign people of Milan found itself bound within its borders without any hope of breaking the siege of the French invaders, only the most beseeming aid from the Ducal aerial carriages allowed the Duke’s own salvation, His treasure’s, His thirteen peacocks’ besides His children’s and all other lackeys’. In everlasting memory of such heroical enterprise, cogitated by the great Lionardo of Tuscany, the Sforzas, the craftsmen’s Guild and the vulgus laid here.
MDXXI

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 70x100cm (26x40")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 70x100cm (26x40")

L'opera e' stata realizzata dal vivo tra il 25 e il 27 maggio, nel sottopasso della metropolitana di Duomo a Milano dove rimarra' esposta fino al 30 giugno ed e' ora in vendita all'asta su e-Bay per raccogliere fondi per

"L'arte vola dalla parte dei bambini"

un'iniziativa a favore dei bambini affetti da malattie oncologiche www.spazioprevenzione.it
http://cgi.ebay.it/Opera-di-Paolo-Rui-realizzata-dal-vivo-Acrilico-su-Tela-/270761720894?pt=Quadri&hash=item3f0aa7fc3e

This work has been painted live between May 25 and 27 at the Duomo underground underpass in Milano where it's on display until June 30 and it's on sale at http://cgi.ebay.it/Opera-di-Paolo-Rui-realizzata-dal-vivo-Acrilico-su-Tela-/270761720894?pt=Quadri&hash=item3f0aa7fc3e to raise funds for children affected by oncologic conditions www.spazioprevenzione.it

LIVE PAINTING in DUOMO ehm...below it

2011-05-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

Oh oh! Questo è un evento pubblico dove quattro illustratori dipingeranno dal vivo sul tema del "VOLO". Ognuno di noi avrà a disposizione una tela di 70x100cm (28x40") e potrà usare qualunque tecnica per dipingerla, nel sottopasso che da Via Torino e Via Mazzini conduce verso la fermata Duomo della metropolitana. Giuliano Bartoli, Clara Poggi, Anna Citelli e io cercheremo di fare del nostro meglio di fronte ai passanti. Nelle mie intenzioni l'opera potrà essere inserita all'interno della serie "Storia". Vediamo cosa succederà, siamo tutte persone allegre e spiritose e cercheremo di divertirci.
Le opere saranno poi messe all'asta a favore di un ente benefico, credo legato ai recenti eventi in Giappone.

Oh oh! It's a public event where four illustrators will be painting live on the subject "FLYING". Each one of us has to paint a 70x100cm (28x40") canvas using whichever technique we please, in the underpass leading from Via Torino and Via Mazzini to Duomo's underground station. Giuliano Bartoli, Clara Poggi, Anna Citelli and I will do our best in front of the passers-by. In my best intentions my work should be included in the "History" series. Let's see what happens. We'll try to have fun the four of us are all jolly and goodhearted chaps...anything's possible.
The paintings will be then auctioned for a no-profit organisation in favour, I guess of some relief activity in Japan.

HISTORY XVI - 1934 IL GRANDE COCCOLONE - The GREAT DOZE

2011-05-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

A perenne memoria dell’inatteso coccolone che portò al subitaneo blocco di ogni attività produttiva della città, prontamente ridestata e propulsa al suo naturale fervore fascista dal celebre galletto ariano Fritzwaldo Bohmbieler in visita di cortesia, la cittadinanza e i gerarchi riconoscenti posero.

MCMXXXIV

In lasting memory of the unexpected doze that led to the sudden stoppage of any productive activity of the city that was promptly awaken and propelled to its natural fascist ardour by the famous arian rooster Fritzwald Bohmbieler during a courtesy visit, the thankful citizenry and party officials laid.

MCMXXXIV

Meccanica Reazione

April, dolce dormir

Chi ode il sono del fucil?

Li occhi tardansi ad aprir

Ma se’l mese non è quello

Cupo sia fossanco bello

Anco poscia il bon vinello

Scatta rizzo sull’Attenti!

Sebben non fia volenti

O son gran calci ne’ denti.

Poesia attribuita a Corrado Govoni (1884-1965) dal suo portinaio, ma dal poeta veementemente e ripetutamente smentito.

Mechanical cranking

The fair oblivion

in cloudy pillows of dreams

No coffee spur?

just Lethe and sky;

Mmmmh

A form unstill

with Majestic stroll

Sings the siren

Moves all souls

Kick-starts the unhoned mob

on they are

and grind again

The crank, the lever

and blood flows twice.

A poem ascribed to Ezra Pound (1885-1972) by the entomologist Louis Wright Roach, but vehemently and repeatedly denied by the poet himself.
Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 24x16cm (10x6")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 24x16cm (10x6")

MILANO in BÍLICO

2011-05-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

Il video animato di buona parte dei quadri inseriti nella serie "Storia di Milano", realizzato insieme ad Antonio Cova e con le musiche di Antonello Brogna.

Mostra "PRESTO, UN CONTRAPPESO!" - Pensieri, parole e opere su una città sempre più in bílico

2011-05-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

La "Storia di Milano come la cittadinanza pose" procede per la sua strada...

HISTORY XI - 2010 La calata delle nutrie - The nutrias' invasion

2011-04-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

In memoria della spettacolare calata delle nutrie che, dopo un periodo di grave degrado morale ed estetico della città, la restituirono al suo originario splendore, la cittadinanza grata ed esultante pose

MMX

In remembrance of the spectacular descent of nutrias that, after a period of grave moral and aesthetic degradation of the city, restored it to its original splendor, the thankful and rejoicing citizenry laid.

MMX

In quanto contiene molti grassi è dunque per sua natura molto nutriente ovvero ha un’alta qualità nutritiva IQN e va quindi assunta con moderazione. Delle varie sostanze nutritive contenute, la vitamina B6, il rame, la tiamina e il manganese hanno un IQN pari almeno a 2, mentre le nutrienti fibre alimentari, il potassio, il fosforo e il magnesio hanno un IQN tra 1 e 1,7. È perciò un’eccellente fonte di nutrimenti importanti tra minerali come rame, manganese e fosforo, per non parlare dell’alto contenuto di fenoli, che sono molto nutrienti.

The essential nutrients are proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water, not necessarily in this order. Cigarettes are not nutrient, nor is kerosene.

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico, inchiostro e olio su cartoncino, 16x24cm (6x10") in mostra fino al 13 aprile 2011 allo Spazio Arte Tolomeo - Via Ampère, 27 – Milano 02 2360429
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics, ink and oil on cardboard 16x24cm (6x10") on display until April 13, 2011 at Spazio Arte Tolomeo - Via Ampère, 27 – Milano 02 2360429 02 2360429

HISTORY IX - 1492 Colombo Cristoforo - Columbus Christopher

2011-04-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Al Colombo Cristoforo sicché mostrò la via acciocché tre caravelle che dall’Ispagna s’ean smarrite, la trovassero verso viaggio d’escoverta di terre d’oltremare incognite. La città riconosciente pose. MCDXCII

To Columbus Christopher as he showed the way to three caravelles that, from Spain departed, had lost their way, and helped them find it so they may follow their quest of discovery across the seas. The grateful citizenry placed . MCDXCII

“Que la mappa svolta acciocché lo sopra y lo sotto non più discernea, lo grando Ammiraglio volse seguitar per nulla flectendo lo animo por l’incierta positione d’astri che la via pertanto venia smarrita. Ne’ suo ricordo de’ l’impresa, tal momento fia obliado con mil y trescientos maravedis per hombre, utque li posteri non sapean de la verguenza de nos outros volti a la descovierta et miserabilmente giunti poscia in terre cognite, ma non de’ l’indie, méta nuestra in nomine Regis, sed di Longobardia, landa de formaggi et suinos, méta per poeti, litterati et bifolchi non da navigar pe’ l’ondas abiertas d’oceanos.”

Sancho Ruiz, pilota sulla Santa Maria in una confessione sul letto di morte a Fra’ Biago da Sestri Levante.

“With the map upturned in order that could not discriminate its upper and lower sides, the great Admiral decided to stay his course notwithstanding the uncertain position of the stars insomuch that the way was thus lost. In his memorial of this enterprise, such event was then forgotten with the help of 1,300 maravedis per soul, so that the posterity wouldn’t know of our shame to be heading for discovery and pitifully lost in known lands, not of the Indies, our destination in nomine Regis, but rather of Lombardy, a land of cheese and swine, a destination for poets, literates and boors, not to be sailed to soaring the open waves of the oceans.”

Sancho Ruiz, pilot aboard the Santa Maria in his death-bed confession to Fra’ Biago from Sestri Levante.

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 70x50cm (28x20") in mostra fino al 13 aprile 2011 allo Spazio Arte Tolomeo - Via Ampère, 27 – Milano 02 2360429
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 70x50cm (28x20") on display until April 13, 2011 at Spazio Arte Tolomeo - Via Ampère, 27 – Milano 02 2360429

MILANO in BILICO - MILANO ON THE VERGE...

2011-03-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

Una serie di opere un po' di sbieco tra il serio e il faceto.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T05:09:00.000-08:00

No words, just good hopes.

History XVII - 1890 L'improvviso Libeccio - The sudden South-Wester gale

2010-10-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

Allorquando un improvviso quanto inatteso Libeccio colpì la pianura, arrischiando lo spostamento della città di Milano verso altre contrade e fors’anco oltralpe, il sagace intervento di prodi canottieri di passaggio lungo il Naviglio, fece fronte contro tal periglio. La città riconoscente fu e la società Canottieri Milano quivi si fondò.

MDCCCXC

When a sudden yet unexpected South-Wester gale struck the plain, and threatened to blow the City of Milan towards farther lands and perhaps beyond the Alps, the sagacious intervention of brave oarsmen which were accidentally passing along the Naviglio Grande, faced off such perilous event. The City was subsequently grateful and Canottieri Milano Sports Club was thereby founded.

MDCCCXC

AUGURI per i 120 anni della CANOTTIERI MILANO!
HAPPY 120TH ANNIVERSARY!

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 50x40cm (20x16")
Collezione Sandro Pello' - Milano
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 50x40cm (20x16")
Sandro Pello' collection - Milan

HISTORY X - 1257 Le GRANDI PIOGGE - The GREAT RAINFALLS

2010-10-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Al germano Piercleto Cavalcabo’ accinto a dipartita per la migrazione, il quale dilungossi’ in volo stazionario a massima protezione de’ Milano dalle grandi piagge del ’57, il popolo riconoscente pose MCCLVIII
In honour of mallard Pericletus Cavalcabo’ set about to depart for his migration, who belaboured in stationary flight for maximum protection of Milano against the great rainfalls of ’57, the grateful citizenry placed.
MCCLVIII

“Molti paperi in lor vita se dano excusatione
ke elli seraveno boni, ma dixeno che non pono,
perzò per aidar l’omo non voleno bregassion,
pel timor de’ divenir por quilli caxaione!
Ma sapie ben per certo che 'l paradixo se accata
pre grand amaritudine, pre brega e per barata;
non multi fu li paperi, che fon de sì nobele sgiata,
che trovasseno per pluvia gloria non volita nè cercata.”

(Bonvesin de la Riva – De paperorum virtus)

“Know ye, that We, in the presence of His Highness Mastiff De la Torre, Duke of ilano, Signore Dominus and warden of His lands and possessions, declare that henceforth any ducks are here granted immunity from hunts and other foes and should have all their liberties and free customs granted and maintained.

We will immediately restore all fowls kept hostages, which have been delivered to our kitchens by any man, to their roaming lands, in security of the peace and of their faithful service.

Wherefore, our will is as above, for ever as is aforesaid.

Given by Our hand, With Our blessing and for ever lasting mandate to the secular Lord of these lands, His officers and delegates.”

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 45x50cm (14x20") - Collezione Hung Yi - Taiwan
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 35x50cm (14x20") - Hung Yi Collection - Taiwan

Moratti visita la mia mostra e la Canottieri Milano nel 120° anniversario

2010-09-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Nel fine settimana del 4 e 5 settembre scorso, ho potuto per la prima volta esporre tuta la mostra "Storia di Milano come la cittadinanza pose" in occasione delle celebrazioni per il 120mo anniversario di fondazione della societa' sportiva Canottieri Milano ove mi diletto dal 1981. Putacaso il signor Sindaco Moratti passava di li'...
During the 4 and 5 September week-end, I was granted the opportunity to show my exhibition "Milano as its citizenry remembered it" in its entirety, during celebrations for the sports club Canottieri Milano's 120th anniversary, where I've been a member since 1981. Perchance, Her Highness our City Mayor sneaked in...

HISTORY VIII - 1865 la MINACCIA INVISIBILE - The INVISIBLE MENACE

2010-09-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

Il merlo Luigi Fasot sventò la misteriosa e invisibile minaccia che si abbatté senza danni a beni, animali e persone in ogni angolo della contrada. Nel terzo lustro i cittadini posero MDCCCLXXX

Louis Fasot the blackbird foiled the mysterious and invisible menace that lashed out with no damage to appurtenances, animals or people all over the land. In the third half-decade the townfolks placed. MDCCCLXXX

“In quei giorni di feconda ebbrezza da catastrofe imminente, le voci si susseguivano e volavano verso il cielo appellativi e definizioni di morbi e altri fenomeni inverecondi, ma per taluni verosimili. La tregenda attesa e mai manifesta, frutto delle audaci illazioni di personaggi distinti e dalla indiscutibile autorità sarebbe calata sulla regione tacitamente come lieve brezza foriera di orrore e raccapriccio, pestifera e perniciosa nell’azione, spietata negli effetti quanto dolce nel presentarsi.”
(Giovanpiero Verbobice da ‘Il Secolo 22 marzo 1866’)

“No incidents have hitherto befallen us that would make a figure in a letter.”
(Mary W.Shelley from “Frankenstein”)

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 80x30cm (32x12")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 80x30cm (32x12")

Milano come la cittadinanza pose - Canottieri Milano 4-5 settembre 2010

2010-08-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

In occasione della celebrazione dei 120 anni dalla fondazione della societa' sportiva Canottieri Milano, presento per la prima volta in uno spazio adeguato, tutte le opere finora realizzate per la mostra "Milano, come la cittadinanza pose". La mostra sara' involontatiamente visitata anche dal sindaco di Milano, M.me Letizia Moratti in occasione dell'inaugurazione della nuova palestra.

Nella mostra e' presente anche la nuova opera "Storia 17 - L'improvviso Libeccio - 1890", testimonianza della vera storia della nascita della Canottieri Milano.

In occasion of the 120th anniversary of the sporting club Canottieri Milano, I present for the first time in a suitable space the whole exhibition "Milano as its citinzery remembered it". It will be involuntarily opened by the city's Mayor M.me Letizia Moratti on her way to inaugurate the new gymnasium. This exhibition includes the new work "History 17 - The sudden South-Wester gale - 1890", a pictorial tribute of the real story of the club's foundation.

HISTORY VI - 1226 La SOLLEVAZIONE dei TOMBINI - The MANHOLES's UPRISING

2010-07-27T01:37:00.000-07:00

Lo Asino di Buridano, in visita da Parigi, testimonio fu de l’istrana sollevatione de’ tombini cui fine massimamente pacifica reco’, cum grandissima satisfacione de’ popolo et contado tutto. La cittadinanza ad eterna et durabile memoria puose MCCXXVIBuridan’s ass, visiting from

Paris

, witnessed the strange uprising of the manholes which it bestirred itself to bring to a most peaceful ending, with greatest satisfaction of the whole population and peasantry.
The citizenry placed in eternal and lasting memory. MCCXXVI

“Lo tombino che para lo pertuso è tra li più amichi de l’homo, ma guatati da quel che nega di parar l’insidia che conanco lo tonfo che stronca è lo tanfo.”

Guiduccio de' Mirapanca

“Manholes and potholes are seldom recognized for what they are: metaphors of our lives.”

Sir Abralbert Morningmoore

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 80x30cm (32x12")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 80x30cm (32x12")

Alcune di queste opere sono visibili diverse sere alla settimana dalle 18:30 circa, presso il mio modesto spazio espositivo sul Naviglio Grande al numero 42 a Milano.
Some of these works and other memorabilia are on display a few evenings a week after 6:30pm at my small stall on Naviglio Grande, 42 in Milan.

HISTOYRY V - 1762 MINACCIA FLUVIALE - FLUVIAL MENACE

2010-07-07T01:52:00.000-07:00

Il gatto Momi sventa subitamente la oscura minaccia fluviale che s’incombe in quel de la zona ticinese. La cittadinanza risollevata pose MDCCLXII
Momi the cat presently foils the obscure fluvial threat incumbent in the Ticinese area. The relieved townfolks placed MDCCLXII

“Vi si specchia dentro l’acque

che ciascun confonde

obscura trama

Al felin percio’ non piacque

transumar nell’onde

e trarne l’alma.” (Vottirio Falieri dall’Epitome di Grisullo)

“What dire Offence from fl’vial Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things,
I sing -- This Verse to Cat, Momi! Is due.” (After Alexander Pope’s “The rape of the Lock”)

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 35x50cm (14x20")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 35x50cm (14x20")

HISTORY IV - 2000: SCONFITTA della RECLAME - DEFEAT of ADVERTISMENTS

2010-07-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

Milano salvata in extremis dal criceto Ki-Ki, dalla perniciosa invasione della reclame. Il prefetto in nome del popolo pose. MM
Milano rescued in extremis by hamster Ki-Ki against the pernicious invasion of publicity. The prefect in the name of its people placed here. MM

“Che marito meraviglioso, se non fosse per quel fastidioso odor di piedi…”

“Che moglie perfetta, se non fosse per il suo caffè…”

(vecchi slogan pubblicitari)

“What a wonderful husband, except for such a disturbing smell of his feet…”

“What a perfect wife, except for her coffee…”

(Old advertising slogans)

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 50x35cm (20x14")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 50x35cm (20x14")

I AM A STEAMPUNK

2010-07-01T03:31:00.000-07:00

Lo scorso maggio mentre si esponeva sul Naviglio Grande, ci fu chi si fermò a chiacchierare con me. Uno tra questi, non so come, ha poi deciso di scrivere qualcosa sull'incontro e altre cose sul proprio blogo. A Duke va tutta la mia riconoscenza. http://cdukeshawn.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/sir-bumboom/
Ricambio con un bel po' di tè. Lunga vita allo stempunker!

Last May, during my exhibition along the Naviglio Grande, a few people stopped and talked with me. Among them there was one who decided to go further and later published on his blog something about that meeting and other things. Dear Duke, thank you very much indeed http://cdukeshawn.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/sir-bumboom/
I return the favour with a heavy load of steamed tea. Long live stempunker!

TNAU EXHIBITION - Tainan, Taiwan

2010-06-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Special Exhibition for the 8th Anniversary of “The

Taiwan

New Art Union” (TNAU)

“The Storyteller” - International Group Exhibition

Curator/ Yung-Yen Tsui

This exhibition will showcase illustrators who also enjoy painting and are or would like to get involved in the fine arts field.

All through history, the forms of illustrations have been continuously changing: from the miniature decorations of the Bible in the Middle Ages to Giotto’s frescos until today. Illustration has undergone a deep transformation into a universe of different expressions, styles and forms that are applied to the visual communication across borders, the world over. Some of these, especially those produced for editorial purposes, have such espressive qualities that they may easily slip into a display of non-illustrative contemporary art. As a matter of fact, since the word “illustration” has come to have today’s meaning, artists and painters have freely moved in and out from these two different environments.When the thin line that separates fine art and illustration gets blurred, what’s the special message that those illustrators will convey in their art works? That’s what we long to see and fathom in this exhibition.

Invited Artists:

Taiwan：Cola King, Yung-Yen Tsui, Chang Fen-Shien, River Kuo，唐壽南（唐唐），阿咧先

Italy：Paolo Rui, Stefano Misesti, Franco Tempesta, Valeria Petrone, Paolo D'Altan, Octavia Monaco

HISTORY III - 1338 The SUDDEN GLACIATION

2010-06-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Milano salvata da la improvisa et funesta glaciatione de primavera da lo provvido intervenir d’Eugenio, plantigrado prealpino de grandissima vertu’. A perenne memoria la cittadinanza puose et il poeta decanto’ MCCCXXXIX

Milano saved from the sudden and baleful Springtime glaciation by the forehanded intervention of Eugene, the prealpine plantigrade of greatest virtues. In perennial memory the citizenry placed and the poet extolled. MCCCXXXIX

“Manifesta cosa è che, sì come le cose temporali tutte sono transitorie e mortali, così in sé e fuor di sé essere piene di noia e d'angoscia e di fatica e ad infiniti pericoli soggiacere; alle quali senza niuno fallo né potremmo noi, che viviamo mescolati in esse e che siamo parte d'esse, durare né ripararci, se spezial grazia di Dio forza e avvedimento non ci prestasse.” (Messer Boccaccio dal Decamerone)

“Tis manifest that, as things temporal are all doomed to pass and perish, so within and without they abound with trouble and anguish and travail, and are subject to infinite perils; nor, save for the especial grace of God, should we, whose being is bound up with and forms part of theirs, have either the strength to endure or the wisdom to combat their adverse influences.” (The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio)

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 40x30cm (16x12") - Collezione Bortolotti
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 40x30cm (16x12") - Bortolotti Collection

HISTORY I I - 1834's OUSTING of the LOAN SHARKS

2010-06-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

1834 Cacciata degli usurai – The ousting of the loan sharks

La Balena Pierbensomaria pone in fuga gli usurai che minacciano pedissequamente la citta’ di Milano in un momento di deboscia e straordinaria debolezza dei valori. La cittadinanza a durevole ricordo pose MDCCCXXXIV

Whale Pierbensomaria ousts the loan sharks who reiterately threaten the city of Milano in a moment of debauchery and extraordinary weakness of values. The citizenry as enduring memento placed MDCCCXXXIV

“La gente trista che per cupidigia affatto esagerata e per nulla mitigate da onore e la benché minimale considerazione per le sofferenze de’ altre persone, talvolta s’insinua come blatta negli anfratti della civiltà della quale succhia il sangue, sovente fino all’estreme conseguenze, sì che nulla più si possa estrarre.

Giungono alfin momenti quando s’impone naturalmente nell’ordine delle cose una rivoluzione che riporta le condizioni al lor normale e spontaneo dispiegarsi. La città sollevata da siffatta sventura, per breve tempo ritornava quinci a sorridere pervasa dall’evanescenza dell’aroma di pani e del sudor di braccia oneste.”

(Pier Aliprando Manzoni)

“There are moments in which nature’s candour merely reaffirms itself upon the will of some of humanity’s lower and most degraded expressions. Then calm is restored upon the storm of a multitude of souls.”

(Thorval Malthus)

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia'. Acrilico su tela, 50x40cm (20x16")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 50x40cm (20x16")

HISTORY I - 1547's HEAT WAVE

2010-06-18T00:55:00.000-07:00

1571 Ondata di caldo - Heat wave

La citta’ di Milano salvata dal cucciolo Fufi, dalla famosa ondata di caldo del ’49, a sempiterna memoria pose MDLXXI

The city of Milan, saved by Fufi the puppy from the famous '49's heat wave, in everlasting memory placed [this plate] here MDLXXI

“L’istoria de’ l’umane genti e’ come mestica d’accadimenti fortuiti, quali iscuri, quali chiari che accompagnano schiettamente lo progresso della civiltade. Taluni di codesti accadimenti vengono a procura de’ lo cielo che ogni cosa decide, ma altri bensi’ frutto maturo sono di causa de l’hommini et altre creature che spessamente, per giudizio et invenzioni et cagioni sconosciuti a lo popolo inetto, ne causano si voglia la caduta o la salvazione.”

(Federduccio da Balanzate)

“For my Knowledge, though there be several Circumstances that might perswade the World I have none at all, the history of human genre is intertwined with accidents due to either or both Divine intervention or by Man’s. Yet, in despight hereof, I dare without usurpation assume that many of them, more often than not, have gone, by general consent or by particular Superior Judgment, unreported and forgotten underneath the blanket of historical evidence. I thus find my self herein obliged by the Principles of Truth and honour to give testimony and confirm these Principles according to the Law of mine own Reason.”

(After Thomas Browne’s Religio Medici)

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia', esposta in anteprima ad Artisti sul Naviglio il maggio scorso. Acrilico su tela, 50x70cm (20x28")
Painting included in the 'History' series. Acrylics on canvas 50x70cm (20x28")

LUDOVICO IL PORCO - ca. 1492 EC

2010-06-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

"Testé che eletto a Papa fu Alessandro lo VI de’ Borgia, Ludovico lo Porco, fiero Duca de’Milano et sue provinzie, colto da timor per la discesa da terre franche de lo re et sue armate agguerritissime et potentissime, a dimostrar a quegli che grande armonia e accordo fra le maxime potenze che firmorno di Bagnolo lo trattato di pace, ei propuose di quegli istessi regnami ai legittimissimi ambassatori de Florentia, de’ Venetia, de’ Napoli, et precipuamente de’ Milano che dal re di Francia presentatossisi assiemamente per et rispettarlo et congratularlo et adularlo pe’ sua illustrissima maestate.

Ma per atto de defezione et dispetto ne’ suoi confronti, Piero de’Medici lo vanitosissimo rettore de’Florentia in torbidis moventis decise altramente di agir per propria via, a far gran foggia de’ricchezze con di lui personale et autonoma ambassata presso lo re. A tal guisa molto si mosse et consigliò lo Ferdinando de’Napoli que de lo Porco diniego la sagacissima proposta. Lo Duca, dopo lunga reflectione disse: 'Gruf!'"

Opera inserita nella serie 'Storia', esposta in anteprima ad Artisti sul Naviglio il maggio scorso. Acrilico, collage e Olio su tela, 50x50cm (20x20")

ARTE sul NAVIGLIO 2010

2010-05-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

PAOLO RUI AD ARTE SUL NAVIGLIO GRANDE: “STORIA DI MILANO COME LA CITTADINANZA POSE”

Sabato 8 e domenica 9 maggio, a Milano, si terrà la manifestazione Arte sul Naviglio Grande: inizialmente nata come esposizione spontanea di quadri dei pittori della zona, è diventata oggi una rassegna molto importante nel panorama culturale milanese ospitando oltre 300 artisti provenienti da tutta Italia che espongono le loro opere sulle sponde del Naviglio Grande su un percorso di quasi due chilometri. Paolo Rui parteciperà all’iniziativa con la sua “Storia di Milano come la cittadinanza pose” raccontata per immagini.
Una serie di opere ispirate alla storia di Milano come non e’ mai stata raccontata nei testi accademici, piccoli fatti dimenticati o messi in dubbio dalla storiografia ufficiale.
Gravi crisi risolte provvidenzialmente da personaggi che hanno voluto bene alla città e che dalla sua cittadinanza sono stati quindi ricordati, ma, ahinoi, poi finite nell’oblio con i loro eroi.
Tra queste la grande ondata di caldo del ’49 (secolo XVI) o l’improvvisa glaciazione del ’38 (XIV secolo), la cacciata degli usurai del XV secolo o la sollevazione dei tombini del 1325.
Fortunatamente, come si può vedere in questa piccola mostra, Milano se l’è sempre cavata e questo lascia ben sperare per il futuro.

Banco 108, Alzaia Naviglio Grande 42, Milano
artesulnaviglio.mi.it

MELROSE KOBUTA CIAN - Inauguration 2010.03.02

2010-02-28T15:09:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am proud to present the new Japanese restaurant Melrose - Kobuta Cian, for which I have been charged to design its corporate image and interior decorations. This Japanese "Trattoria" is located in Milano, via Solferino 35 and, as strange as it may seem, a real Japanese chef, who can actually cook all the things included in its menu, is responible for the food . You are all invited to attend the opening party this coming Tuesday from 6 pm.

Arigato very much

REFLECTIONS ON ART

2009-09-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

How comes that many artists, including Leonardo Da Vinci, left so many unfinished works? How comes that many others feel that every single project they've been working on has such an unfinished look to it? Why do they always feel there's something missing?

When is a piece of art actually finished?

Uncertainty seems to be part of the whole process, and that makes one ask "What if?". Should we call it "Whatiffy Art"? Should we start a movement or just pretend to do so?

Asking questions is important, I know, but offering solutions is also an opportunity to reflect on the subject matter, to the very purpose of one's work.

I don't have many answers, but I know that humanity goes on anyway.

BLOG & NUVOLE EXHIBITION

2009-07-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

Just a few days ago, on July 9th, I attended the opening of the Blog & Nuvole exhibition at Colonne di San Lorenzo, downtown Milano. On display were some reproductions of works carried out by a few of the most important comics illustrators in Italy, including Master Misesti, Massimo Giacon and Enea Riboldi, whom I had the honour to meet and get acquainted with. I was finally delivered a copy of the catalogue, whose cover was designed by Lorenzo Mattotti. My image was pretty much everywhere because it's become the Icon for the whole event. I must say that I've been very lucky once again.
Here's their website: http://blognuvole.splinder.com/

NOBEL!

2009-06-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, you met none of the requirements. I see that you've failed dramatically in your tests. Your ideas, if any, must be literally mined to be found, and even so, they are so trivial that you deserve a warm appreciation for the historically worth remembering lack of committment on your side. At this point, I am proud to tell you thet the only way for you to pass this test is to get a Nobel prize in any field of your choice.
You've better hurry before you head for the dump of history.

UNSTABLE TIME

2009-06-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Time is like a dog's tail or like a laundry line tied elsewhere. It swings, it wiggles, it warps.
We wobble through it. Some bounce from moment to moment.
If everything goes as it should, my time likely spans between my first pijamas and my best suit.

This illustration painted with acrylics on masonite, was made for a very interesting initiative called Blog & Nuvole http://blognuvole.splinder.com/, where comics artists were asked to illustrate short posts by blogs' authors. I didn't actually participate to it, but by sheer luck was invited to be amongst the guest artists and my image here appears on the catalog's back cover.

SPACE MISSION 1

2009-02-07T02:15:00.001-08:00

Space-cruising into the unknown is easier if well supported by one's faith. Without faith, the crew can only withstand the strain by trusting its Captain, therefore having faith in him. But if the Captain has no faith, he can only trust his ship, thus putting his faith in a nice piece of technology, made by men and machines, which occasionally fail. Fortunately there is still hope that a friendly group of yet undiscovered and technologically wise aliens are following each and every move of theirs and, in case of peril, might intervene. But if the aliens have no faith, their own wisdom might lead them to behave in unespected ways not mentioned in the sacred scriptures, therefore in breach of the terrestrial ship's crewmembers's beliefs. But, if, as we said earlier, they have no faith, no major problem might occur. In the worst case scenario, when they all die, they go to hell and bring their captain and the aliens with them. Who cares?

HAPPY YEAR of the OX

2009-02-02T01:38:00.000-08:00

Recession? What recession?
The Ox says that as long as grass grows green he won't worry about such things.
I agree and think pOXitive.

HAPPY WOMAN'S DAY

2008-03-08T01:33:00.001-08:00

XENOPHOBY

2008-02-15T03:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah!

MERRY CHRIMBLE? IN JANUARY?

2008-01-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

Not everyone around this world celebrates Chrimble on Dec.25. Some people of different religious persuasions don't stick to this date and I think this is in itself a beautiful thing, because the more moments and reasons we have to celebrate anything, the better our lives are going to be.
For instance, in five minutes I'm going to celebrate my victory over thirst by drinking a big glass of water.
Life can be beautiful.

I hope this image moves, I've worked on it for hours before the real Christmas. Doesn't anyone know how to post animated GIFs on a blog like this?

HEXAKOSIOIHEXEKONTAHEXAPHOBIA

2008-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

I eye
You eye
He/She/It eyes
We eye
You eye
They eye
666
There are people who really hate this number: they lose their sleep, lose appetite and start looking behind their shoulders to see if the bad guy, I mean the truly really very BAD guy is perchance stalking just them. "Why me?" they think, "I'm just a regular sinner, worse than some, perhaps, but undisputabily better than most".
Why not? I say: "better you than me" and this is also undisputable.

A COLOURFUL ENVIRONMENT

2007-03-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

I had rather work for a clean and colourful environment, possibly driving green means of transportation...

END OF THIS MONTH

2007-02-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

I'm still looking forward to it. It's a bad thing, I know it, but I can't help it. It's going to change someday, but now I cannot but hold on.

MY SUV (Silly Urban Vituperium)

2007-01-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

Since I bought my new BEHEMOTORS 50000, I feel so safe and secure. It's handy and trendy and I feel like in my old compact, but with less legroom. Also its headroom seems reduced, but since I bought it with a 20 years' loan it seems I don't need that much space for my cerebral box anymore.
Me and my family are so happy on it that we use it even when we don't know why; this makes us feel we really made it BIG.
We don't plan to use it offroad just yet, it's so shiny and, besides, we don't see the point. Some say we don't see many points, probably because we are seated so high above...

2007 - YES, THANK YOU! 新年快樂

2006-12-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

BUON ANNO, HAPPY NEW YEAR, 新年快乐樂, etc...

SPIRIT OF THIS SEASON - 2

2006-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Day, Good Humor Prevails...

SPIRIT OF THIS SEASON - 1

2006-12-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

The area has been spiritually secured.

PIZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!..............

2006-12-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

How can you taste your pizza in such an environment? Can anyone do anything about it? Why do not those in charge, the movers and the shakers intervene to the full extent of their might? Where's the Law, where's the Order? What would Eisenberg think of all of this?

LOOKING EAST - PUMPKIN CREATIVE

2006-12-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Good news from Taipei: Pumpkin Creative is my agent for Asia now!

來自台北的好消息: 出色創意有限公司是我在亞洲地區的經紀公司

ON THE TOWER - LOOKING WEST

2006-12-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

No news from the West. I keep looking...

HAPPY NEW MONTH!

2006-11-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

MILANO ON THE VERGE

2006-11-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine was the first to notice it.
He said: "Milano is on the verge...!"
After him many other people have started to realize it and now such truth has become common wisdom among us citizens.
The city itself seems to have become aware of it's being in such an uncorfotable position.
Scientists and theologians agree that possible solutions are on the wings of its pigeons.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

2006-11-28T02:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that once shoe laces would wear out and break and we simply had to get new ones, while today it often happens that strings long outlive shoes they belong to?
How comes we are getting used to such abuses of our consumers' rights?

Another image made recently for Carthusia Edizioni (Milano) and Coop Lombardia.

THINK POSITIVE

2006-11-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

No matter what...

THINK BIG N.1 - ELVIS AND ELECTRONICS

2006-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

Some big thoughts that might have changed history, but never were recorded and left no obvious traces behind, nevetheless deserve to be mentioned here.

Let's start with Elvis and his speculations on electronics and the future of house appliances.

In order to catch a glimpse of these thought we suggest to take a deep breath and concentrate on the image for about one minute.
If no trace of Elvis' thought comes into one's mind, the experiment has been successful confirming the fact that his Big Thoughts on electronics are definitely gone with him.

JUST MARRIED

2006-11-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

Oh oh... who's that and what's he doing here in my illustration?
Today it's been Stefano Misesti's and Beni's wedding day and Maciste couldn't keep from showing up even though this is not his creator's blog.
Can anyone blame him for this?
The problem is that according to the international laws on copyrights I might and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, even though it's not my fault if this uninvited guest has appeared from behind the horizon.
Please visit me in jail when you can. Oranges are well accepted.

By the way Beni and Stefano: congratulations to you.
La la la la laaaaaaaaa............................

GIM - Genetically Improved Man 1

2006-11-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that in the future genetic engineering will lead to any direction that anyone could possibly imagine today; may that be considered morally acceptable or contravening any religious or ethical standard we may think of, it just will happen.

Therefore I start today to give my humble contribution with some occasional "dibujillos", sketches, to help future generations of genetic engineers figure out how to spend their funds on researches directed to reach the Holy Grail of science: the creation of tomorrow's Man or more simply, the GIM - Genetically Improved Man.

Let's start today with Improvement number 1: the Hand-Nose transfer improvement. It basically greatly improves today's sniffing capabilities, sneezing potentials and deep-digging possibilities.
It's my idea, therefore don't even think to get it patented.

MUSIC

2006-11-21T02:45:00.000-08:00

Let's make some cheap poetry here:
"Music of the future
Music of the past
When it's time for tea
One listens to the best
One likes this
One picks up that
Slow-fast-boring-nifty
One two three...
This rhythm is good for me."

This means that illustration and poetry don't always match and sometimes, rather than doing something one was not born to do, it's probably better to go and take a shower.

One more illustration for Anadema, supercoifferurs in Milano. Will they ever forgive?

WATER

2006-11-20T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here'a a "Magrittade", an illustration clearly inspired by Mister Master Magritte. It strangely doesn't deal with cardboxes or dirty socks, but surprisingly with the abuse and misuse of something else. As you can see, the man in the picture is not fully aware of what's happening above him and one may guess that little trace of this experience will thus be remembered.

A work made for Carthusia Edizioni (Milano) and Coop Lombardia. Thank you for this opportunity.

HE WHO

2006-11-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

He Was He Who Is Without Sin, Therefore He Used To Throw The First Stone, Often Also The Second, Then The Third And So On. Sometimes He Would Throw Them From The Overpass...

A BELISARIO IN NEW YORK

2006-11-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

"When I have the money, I'm going to buy some land, so when it rains I can play with mud..."

Dedicated to a Belisario friend of mine who is going to get Married next week (but in Taipei, not in New York). To him my best wishes to be able to play with mud whenever he likes.

EAR OF THE YEAR

2006-11-16T01:39:00.000-08:00

Fortunately, it's an estabilished tradition to celebrate the ending of the year with the election of a symbol for the (almost) past twelve months. This year's Ear of the Year is this ear here.
It's been unanimously elected after an obviously exhausting selection process which has forced our representatives to scrutinize ears on five continents and innumerable archipelagos.
Among the 666 finalists this ear was finally spotted in the plains near Megiddo. Congratulations from the jurors and Happy New Ear of the Year.

SNAILCRAFT

2006-10-31T05:59:00.000-08:00

Do you remember airships? Slow cigar-shaped giants that flew amidst unbelievable dangers. This Snailcraft joins the very same slow-flying phylosophy with state-of-the-art technology: passengers will be able to fly so slow, sooo slow that boredom will prevail, a healthy alternative to everyday's frenzy. Among its peculiar features, toilets have a transparent floor, so users can aim at targets of their choice.

FISHCRAFT TOURS

2006-10-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

This Fishcraft is the byproduct of past technologies, but due to its fairly romantic appearance, it has aroused the interest of scores of passengers and the suspicious comments of a few. Fishcraft tours offers cheap and uncomfortable trips to and from different locations which seldom are those requested by its paying passengers. It often happens that stowaways are those who decide its course and destination, but, so far, just a handful of complaints have been filed against the company.
Originally designed for FuBon Art Foundation (Taiwan) this craft now operates independently on this blog.

SIR BUMBOOM!

2006-10-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, this is me. In person I mean.
I hope I don't disturb anyone if I look around a bit?
There are important tasks to be achieved, dreams to be fulfilled, jobs to be done.
As I'm a bit hungry I would like to invite you to have tea and pasta al pesto with me now.
While we eat, would you mind to tell me a story?
I greatly appreciate it. Thank you

ANADEMA MAKEUP

2006-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

An image designed for a Beauty Saloooooon in Milano.
My humble contribution to the destruction of their corporate image...

EL GORDO!

2006-10-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, this was designed together with my respectful friend, His honor Stefano Misesti. At first used for a poster for a Basque restaurant "El Gordo", it's later been used to make a t-shirt which I haven't seen to this day.

Big Red Riding Hood

2006-10-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Big Red Riding Hood is a lively little girl who likes to go around the woods and harass wolves and grandmas until hunters occasionally shoot at her. She doesn't agree with this and considers herself a protected specie.
She's represented here in charcoal and oil.

Profile Champion of the year

2006-05-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

IN A GOOD MOOD

2006-04-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

Cucù is like Pickaboo!
I don't know how it translates in Finnish yet, but I'm eager to learn.

The Sun and the Moon are in a good mood today.
I appreciate that!

BORN TO BE ONLINE

2006-03-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

I guess it's what it was meant to be.
Today it's Friday not the 17th, but I can't do anything about it.