fashion — Art, fashion and love
“THESE DAYS, EVERYONE’S AN A R T I S T, B U T O N LY T I M E C A N R E A L LY DETERMINE THAT” doesn’t come from a brand name,” he states. “It comes from exclusivity, from the choice not to wear the uniform, the status symbol of the moment.” That’s why his clothing isn’t sold in department stores but in art galleries. Something as fleeting as fashion in an art gallery, a shrine to that which is timeless? For Cruciani it makes all the sense in the world because his garments aren’t designed according to the whims of the fashion industry, a sector he has chosen not to embrace full on. His dresses are unique and, for this reason, don’t lose value over time. In Cruciani’s words, “aesthetics change, ideas never go out of fashion.” The route by which Cruciani arrived on the gallery scene, however, was much more conventional. The dresses came a lot later. While he was dreaming of a life filled with glamour, parties and red carpets, Cruciani studied at the oldest art school in the world, in Urbino. While the parties and the glamour were certainly there, the knowledge acquired at college was also starting to materialise. It did so in the street: this artist’s CV is brimming with street art interventions and performances. Little by little, the pathway to the galleries opened up. Despite this recognition, Cruciani doesn’t consider himself an artist. “These days, everyone’s an artist, but only time can really determine that,” he states, categorically. What’s undeniable is that he’s been exhibiting his work for a number of years across several continents. Over the last five years, he’s done so together with the photographer Manuel Scrima, even in deeply personal shows such as Lovvism, which, at the end of the day, deals with how we interpret symbols of love. “He has a vision of life and aesthetics that’s very different to mine,” says Cruciani about the guy who co-signs his work. “But the opportunity to tackle something distinct generates a new language.” This co-created language, put into practice in Lovvism, abounds in flags and hearts, straightforward symbols that sum up complex realities. The exhibition explores symbolism and sentiment through hard-hitting images. “Symbols are images that communicate with the unconscious. Words, on the other hand, have a direct connection with the mind,” says the artist with an air of mystery. Despite this cryptic message, the pictures speak for themselves: to the mind, to reason or to both at the same time. Lovvism is a visual blow straight to the eyes. Long live love! WWW.PACHA.COM
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