Page 21 - PAOLO STACCIOLI

the missive and rounded forms. The surface is rough
Bronzo, 007
8 9
and modeled by rapid and irregular strokes, enriched
by intense chromatic effects on the skin-like surface.
The figures are loaded with an arcane attraction
that recalls ancient fragments. The wholeness of the
warriors is destabilized; they are without limbs. Their
arms have been completely amputated, their legs cut off
at the knees. Even their eyes are bandaged, blocking
out their sight. And still, they possess completeness
and an expressive intensity. Without a doubt, these
images of fragments, of mutilated sculptures are linked
to archeological finds, that survived long a period of
neglect and deterioration.
Furthermore, every weapon is left out. Except for
the rare varieties of long lances and shields, Staccioli’s
warriors only have defenses: helmets and the armor.
They constitute characterizing elements, even in the
most recent versions. The armor is formed by unified
band of tiny horses on wheels that embrace the chest of
the warrior, that bring along a trace of humor and fantasy,
which we have learned to recognize in Staccioli’s work,
from the very beginning. In the most recent versions
of the warrior theme – his study of this subject has been
continuous- we now see that the bodies have gradually
lost their heaviness, their swollen volume, making way
for ever more stylized silhouettes, characterized by a
refined formal elegance. Borrowing gracefully from
Etruscan statuary, that place of prolific inspiration,
Staccioli reduces the plastic material of the sculptures
without ever going so far as to etherealize them. Yet,
they are definitely elongated, sharpened and seen from
a frontal pose. They are dignified and slightly lightened
by the chromatic vibrations, by the reverberating light
and shadows that through the furrows and channels of
the bizarre armor. These figures, for their refinement, are
able to become a spiritual figure, extremely internalized
and charged with an emotional and sentimental power.
Along with the reoccurring themes of the horses and
warriors, Staccioli creates a large number of other
figures, which are inspired by the surrounding reality.
Through the use of his inexhaustible inventiveness, these
figures become authentic icons. From the beginning
of 2000, we find “travelers” among the figures which,
together with the warriors, are insistently investigated
by Staccioli. Similarly to the later warrior versions,
these figures have a rough plastic quality and forms that
tend to be elongated. He alternates his production with
another version of the travelers, whose out of proportion
shoulders carry small, barely formed, heads.