Italy

Artist: Giò Di Sera

*1964 Castellammare di Stabia, Naples (Italy)
1987: Founded the Istituto Napoletano di Cultura in Cologne together with Al Hansen
1995: Founded the Vulcano Art Factory, Berlin
1996: Start of the project BERLINAPOLI as a multimedia exchange programme for young artists from Berlin and Naples
2006: Foundation of the "STREETUNIVERCITY", he is president and artistic head of the project.
2009: Winner of the “Freiherr-vom-Stein-Preis 2009“ for society innovation in Germany
Exhibitions since 1987: Berlin, Naples, Oaxaxa (Mexico), New York, Biennale Venice, Documenta in Kassel, Hamburg, Milan, Sydney
gio@chill.de

 

Interpretation

While painting and working on the Italian bear, I combined various elements and contrasts with each other, for both aesthetics as well as for content. When seen from a distance, the bear looks like a glowing sea of colour. The bear is covered with the abstract patterns of colour used in expressionistic art, all stemming from my childhood memories of Italy which are alive inside me.

When you look closer, the bear takes you on a journey. Familiar items seem to appear everywhere, possessing a symbolic character which gives them an undisputed ability to be discovered and then rediscovered again.

Ah, this must be a Berlin Bear, but from Italy!

This Bear is wearing a "Pulcinella mask," but his body is colourful like the costume of a Harlequin.

Local trademarks from the Commedia dell'Arte are mixed together, contrasts between northern and southern Italy are combined as well.

The playful and ironic way of dealing with my cultural heritage in my art always served to connect and especially overcome contrasting values.The logo of Di Sera Media, the heart with the coordinate cross makes this even clearer as it is the symbol for universal love and peace and this is why it is located centrally on the stomach.

Last but not least, the bear of the Italian embassy, together with all of the other bears from other embassies, is a symbol of diplomacy and global understanding in a peaceful and dignified manner. According to the motto: "Act local and think global!". And naturally, with my bear, Berlin finally receives what can be called a Holy Bear!

Giò Di Sera

Sponsor: Lediberg GmbH