Elogio della lentezza, Laura Casini

Take a deep breath and enjoy the journey

Title: Elogio della lentezza

Author: Laura Casini

Year: 2024

Format: 80x80 cm

Technique: Acrylic

Style: Abstract

To understand the works of artist Laura Casini, a particular state of mind is required. It’s not about technical or stylistic knowledge, but rather a sensitivity towards life and the wonder it can offer us each day.

Essential too is the closeness between the title and the work itself — their connection could be described as primordial; a word is, in fact, Laura’s first source of inspiration. A word that carries not only meaning but also sound, emotion, and form — like in a poem, where feeling blends with content and sound provides the frame. In Praise of Slowness is a reflective piece on the frenzy that characterizes our daily lives, and on rediscovering a more primal energy — a state of wonder that can only come from awareness and recognition of our emotions.

What we perceive when admiring the work is a sense of calm and, at the same time, of movement — a controlled flow in which the viewer is not just a spectator but also a protagonist.

The painting does not have a specific orientation; the perspective is abandoned — there is no up or down, no above or below. The colors flow in a continuous circle — a living, constant cycle. In the orientation suggested by this article (as presented on Artmajeur.com), the lower left corner is the most textured part, dedicated to shades of blue that evoke a clear sky or a calm sea. Moving upward, we encounter the largest area of the painting, occupied by the gray of a cloudy sky or the black of the abyss. Only at the bottom can we admire the warm hues of yellow — welcoming and precious.

The slowness with which we move through this cycle gives us the opportunity to be consciously present in the moment and, at the same time, to marvel at the power revealed within the infinite spiral of passing time.

The cycle of the seasons, the stages of life, the hours of the day, our shifting emotions, our obsessions, desires, and hopes… all can be summed up in a perpetual circle — just like life itself.

The canvas, created mostly in light tones, is enriched with touches of gold and silver, as well as the intensity of blue. The most intriguing aspect of this — as with all of the artist’s works — lies in the treatment of light, both technically and conceptually.

Light plays a key role, comparable to the gaze of each individual viewer — it changes depending on where the canvas is placed and the time of day in which it is observed. This quality makes the painting even more enigmatic and personal.

When viewing Laura Casini’s work, one feels a sense of belonging to the piece, and the mind is gently stirred by the idea that the painting was created to say something specific to us at the very moment we’re looking at it.

This is a deeply introspective level of interpretation, one I was able to access also thanks to the artist herself, who shared not only her art with me during a long conversation, but also pieces of her personal story and some particularly moving experiences.

If you enjoyed this analysis and if Laura Casini’s art also speaks directly to your heart, I have good news: a special article about her will be published soon!

In the meantime, you can visit the artist’s website and Instagram profile (links below), and subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated.

Chromatic poetess.com

Laura Casini IG