FINGER ART CIOTOLA MOVEMENT
Raffaele Ciotola is a talented Neapolitan artist, renowned for his innovative approach that blends creativity, social commitment, and a profound artistic sensitivity. Born on October 17, 1964, in Naples, Ciotola has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art, using unique and avant-garde techniques to express his vision.
Not a self-taught artist, but a Master of Art with a solid academic background, Raffaele earned his Art Diploma and later studied Bel Canto at the prestigious San Pietro a Majella Conservatory in Naples, adding a new expressive and communicative dimension to his art.
Ciotola is a versatile artist who has successfully integrated various influences, from Neapolitan artistic traditions to the strength of international avant-gardes. His art is not only visual but also a powerful voice for contemporary social and political challenges. He has always used art as a tool for protest and awareness, addressing themes such as discrimination, the fight for civil rights, and the quest for freedom.
In 2003, Raffaele founded the movement "Stop Homoph Art", a project combining art and activism aimed at combating homophobia and promoting the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this initiative, the artist created powerful, evocative works that had a significant impact in promoting a culture of equality and respect.
In 2018, he launched the "Rock Art Ciotola" project, a provocative reinvention of cultural icons with a rock aesthetic and stylized tattoos, pushing pop art to new expressive frontiers. His most recent project, "Finger Art Ciotola", stands out for its unique use of painted fingers as a canvas, offering a distinct personal signature and adding new dimensions to artistic expression.
Raffaele Ciotola is more than just an artist: he is an innovator who transforms every creation into a manifesto of freedom, expressiveness, and the fight for rights. His works, rich in vibrant colors, lights, and shadows, invite the viewer to reflect on social and contemporary issues, challenging both artistic and social conventions.
His work has gained wide recognition both nationally and internationally, attracting the attention of critics, collectors, and personalities from the art world. Thanks to his ability to convey deep messages through art and his originality, Raffaele Ciotola continues to be a leading figure in the contemporary art scene.
FINGER ART CIOTOLA - ARTISTIC MOVEMENT
"GESDITO"
This contemporary artwork marks a significant evolution in the journey of artist Raffaele Ciotola, who, through his artistic movement Finger Art Ciotola, continues to explore new visual languages. In this painting, the finger replaces the traditional sacred face of Jesus, a bold gesture that challenges iconographic conventions while maintaining a deep respect for the religious figure.
The choice of using the finger in place of the face is not an act of irony or trivialization but rather a reflection on the accessibility of sacred art for today’s audience. This approach creates a more direct and intimate connection with the viewer, who can see the divine represented through a simple and immediate form. The piece, while still deeply connected to religious tradition, invites a more personal and contemporary interpretation of spirituality.
Artist’s Note:
The work "GESDITO" arises from my deep love and respect for Jesus Christ and the sanctity He represents. There is no intention to offend or show irreverence toward Jesus or any other sacred figure. The finger I use in the representation is not a gesture, but simply a replacement for the face, an artistic element that becomes the focal point of the work.
The work "GESDITO" arises from my deep love and respect for Jesus Christ and the sanctity He represents. There is no intention to offend or show irreverence toward Jesus or any other sacred figure. The finger I use in the representation is not a gesture, but simply a replacement for the face, an artistic element that becomes the focal point of the work.
In this creation, the finger takes the place of Christ’s face, yet it does not alter or diminish the sacred value of the subject. My intent is not to provoke, but to reinterpret sacred iconography in a way that is understandable and meaningful for both adults and children. It’s a way to bring the sacred closer, to make it more tangible, without losing the respect due to the figure of Jesus.
Finger Art Ciotola is based on the idea that art can be intimate and accessible, even when dealing with profoundly spiritual themes. The finger, in this case, does not serve any complex symbolic or gestural function but is a stylistic choice to replace the face as the central element of representation. It’s not a mockery but an artistic expression that aims to make the figure of Christ more accessible and immediate, without compromising respect for His sacredness.
(The painting measures: 35x50 cm)
Contact: maestror.c@gmail.com