by Mariateresa Cerretelli

At first sight, silence reigns supreme in Caroline Gavazzi’s woods. However, it is only apparent. Observing the greenery more closely through the glass, through the humid and light-speckled foliage and fronds, you can almost feel the light and imperceptible rustle of the flourishing nature, growing from mother earth and vibrating with life. In those imaginary yet real woods, you reach the heart that lies behind the visual image and remain enchanted before the natural magnificence of butterflies dominating the scene. The arabesques and edges of their open wings, perfect and resplendent, embody the harmonious symphony of an insuperable palette, a true triumph of beauty and light. Once again, the artist explores the world of nature through her lens, expertly maneuvering the filtering of light and shadow into an almost tropical dimension, rich in humidity and exotic flowers. And thus, in an extraordinary symphonic compounding of the senses, a corner of paradise is recreated by Caroline Gavazzi. In Papilio, the latest photography project by the Italian/French artist, you can breathe peace, calm, and serenity. Yet life flows, impetuous and powerful. In line with all of her productions, the aesthetic of the photographs is curated with excruciating detail and results in a wonderful visual effect aimed at touching the most intimate and sensitive soul, yet giving everyone the freedom to interpret what they observe and to see what others can’t. Nature reproduces itself in accordance with its own rhythm and true to the passing of time, and the artist chooses the slow motion of the pre-digital process to add value to her pictures and to savour every instant. “For me, the traditional photographic process is part of the purity of the whole. I still like to work with negatives, which are unique, and I particularly enjoy the time lapsed from when I take the picture until I see the result. I then choose the appropriate grain of the paper with the great attention. I do not want to take shortcuts in my photography and take the utmost care throughout all steps of the process”.

Papilio comprises large rectangular formats with almost three-dimensional colours, as well as equally precious and curated pieces in resin - unique pieces and veritable works of art. Here, pure photography takes a different path. The artist’s woods are watered down and become more abstract, almost dissolving. The more material and three-dimensional butterflies with their vibrating wings appear to be ready to leave this surreal glass environment and to fly away from all restrictions towards freedom. “Nature has a dominating role both in my artistic work and in my private life. Its equilibrium, natural cycles, silence, and its scents and colours are an endless source of inspiration and of energy for me, but also of significant security and interior peace. Unfortunately, the artificial world we have created with our civilization often removes us from nature. We are unable to listen to it and to learn from the continuous signals it is sending us”. Her art also speaks of preservation, because the artist, in her preliminary research, rediscovered the importance of Butterfly Farms, places all over the world where the sale of butterflies not only represents a significant source of economic support for local communities but also has a role in protecting biodiversity and preserving rainforests. “For me, care for the environment, the ecosystem, and its equilibrium are crucial”. And in her works, through her metaphors, poetic citations, and research techniques, Caroline Gavazzi launches a call for the vital wellbeing of the planet.

English translation by Chiara Scassa