dog

"DOG" is a striking charcoal drawing that captures the essence of a vast and awe-inspiring landscape. At the center of the piece, a towering mountain rises up, dominating the scene with its majestic presence. The surrounding landscape stretches out for miles in all directions, with intricate details etched into the charcoal to bring the scene to life. The weather depicted in the piece is changing rapidly, with dark clouds rolling in on the horizon and the threat of rain looming in the distance. The overall effect is one of drama and tension, with the landscape seeming to shift and change before the viewer's very eyes. But despite the tumultuous weather and shifting landscape, there is a sense of profound stillness and serenity in "GOD". The mountain at the center of the piece stands as a symbol of strength and endurance, a constant presence in a world that is forever in flux. The contrast between the two perspectives highlights the power dynamics at play in society and the way in which our relationship with the natural world is shaped by our values and beliefs. The mountain, like the concept of God, can be a source of inspiration and hope or a tool of oppression and exploitation. It is up to us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. By cultivating a sense of reverence and respect for the natural world, we can rediscover the power and majesty of the mountain and maybe reconnect with the divine. With its powerful imagery and expert use of charcoal, "GOD" is a masterful work of art that speaks to the timeless themes of nature, power, and transcendence. It is a piece that will capture the imagination of viewers for years to come.JC

Jorge Da Cruz'sart piece, a charcoal drawing on paper, sets the tone for Federico Albanese's "The Twelve," a soundtrack that is also a standalone music album. "It tells the story of twelve people, even without the film," explains Albanese. The pieces evoke feelings of meditation and anticipation, conveying a wonderful sense of storytelling, and knowing what inspired Albanese only adds to its power. Take, for example, "The Stars We Follow," a piece that is equally gentle and contemplative as it is powerful. It was inspired by Japanese master Aoki Hiroyuki and his unique way of connecting with nature. "It's somewhere between martial arts and dance. Once Lucy sent me a short clip of an excerpt of it on the beach, and somehow the movements looked to me like chasing the stars," explains Albanese, "like the general idea of the journey of these elders, of how they follow their own ideas and stars, and try to connect them with the world." The inspiration for the wonderfully comforting piece "North Variation" comes from the master Lyudmila Khomovna, one of the last members of the Uilta ethnic group living on a remote Siberian island: "She's a very special person, a great sage. I had this image in my mind of a very cold place that carries a deep warmth within it."

Amidst the darkness of charcoal and the texture of paper, a triptych is born - a visual symphony born of the collaboration between a visionary artist and a contemporary pianist. It was created for a film, "The Twelve," and the song "North Variations" was its heart. The composition bursts with movement, yet stands still in contemplation, urging us to reflect on the contrasting realities of the human experience. On the left, a bucolic Nordic landscape flourishes in harmony with humanity. The peaceful coexistence of man and nature is an ode to the serenity that we long for. The stark contrast on the right reveals the cruel chaos that grips the south. Dreams lay shattered, souls in turmoil, and homes tossed like leaves in the wind as people migrate in search of a better life. In the centre of the composition, an enigmatic divinity stands, with the power to change the terrain and peoples' lives. It begs us to ponder if it is God or an idol. The divine force that balances harmony and chaos. This charcoal drawing is a haunting reminder of the duality of existence. It evokes a sense of introspection, urging us to look beyond the surface of things and search for meaning in the chaos.