MOST POPULAR CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
''THE MADONNA OF THE HOMOSEXUALS''
IN MEMORY OF THE HOMOSEXUALS VICTIMS KILLED DURING THE NAZI REGIME AND TO THE WHOLE LGBT COMMUNITY.
ART AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA
"STOP HOMOPH ART"
The Movement was founded in 2003, Italy by Raffaele Ciotola.
The scope of the movement is to discourage racist attitudes and homophobic behaviour that arise when a glbt homosexual work of art is exhibited to the public. The idea is to spread cultural awareness and respect in the struggle against homophobia. Mr. Ciotola firmly believes that painting, like music, is a direct and universal Language sending messages and spreading ideas with even more immediacy than literature. In fact, his works express the cultural structures involving the male and female, of love between men,love between women, transgender experiences,discrimination,violence and refusal. "The Artist creates freely in the struggle against prejudice and ignorance. Through his creativity he attacks the very source of homophobic attitudes and bravely upholds a revolution in new cultural standards of behaviour. It is both necessary and urgent to achieve this goal, to be trusting and win trust,where difference actually makes the difference and is enrichening;where the beholder of the work of art may find room for his emotions. This movement arises from the need to spread a message coming from the heart, but that is too often filtered by society in terms of religion or politics, and therefore often distorted and hypocritical. This deprives the person of their dignity,sense of freedom and respect as an individual. The most important work of Raffaele Ciotola is the "Madonna of the Homosexuals", painted between 2003 and 2007 and dedicated to the many thousands of homosexual victims murdered by the nazis. The artist attempts to express in this oil painting the immense grief experienced in his very soul by creating a work of art of great ethical and moral value thus creating the very manifesto of "Stop Homoph Art". The iconic impact is unusual and differs from the traditional Virgin and Child; the language is straightforward and nonconformist. In the the painter's words: "I chose Maria as an historical and religious figure, because she alone can represent a work of art meant to communicate a genuine feeling of love and goodness. The brushstrokes are at times few and fragmented in the soft folds of the dress of the female figure,and then more precise and detailed in the outline of her face and in the decorative and symbolic elements. Colour is used in different shades and contrast with the cold and warm tonalities and the complementary colours of the blue and orange cloak. The light is soft coming from the very face of the Madonna as if she were radiating a cosmic energy embracing humanity itself. The composition rests on a central axis where the Holy Child with the globe in its hand, rests on the clasped hands of the Virgin Mary. The symbols grasped in the other hand by the holy child depict the symbols of the homosexual world. The delicate chiaroscuro enhances further the vertical effect. More symbols and decorations are present on the frame itself, together with the title, and from right to left of the virgin's halo, are the Alfa and Omega which symbolize God and Eternity, the Beginning and the End. The pink triangle was sewn on the uniforms of the gay victims by the Nazis according para §175 StGB Law inhibiting homosexual behaviour and represents the movement that the artist Raffaele Ciotola has created, inviting all to support it, in the name not only of humanity but of human rights. Art can play a fundamental role in the struggle against prejudice and specifically, homophobia. Art can teach to tolerate homosexuality and in the words of Picasso : In the face of human tragedies, Picasso once said "Artists cannot and must not be indifferent" .
Prof.ssa Michela Marconi
The main character of my work is Mary, whom I portrayed not as a religious figure, but as the timeless historical mother symbolizing immense love - the kind that accepts, protects and supports every single human being unconditionally and without distinction. The Madonna not only embraces in a single gesture Jesus the Child, but all humankind, represented by the terrestial globe she holds in her hand. Her loving gaze is not only directed at her Son but also embraces all those sons who are homosexuals, represented by gay male and female symbols which the child Jesus clasps in his hand.In order to bind even more closely the madonna to her homosexual children, I chose the same heraldic symbols above her head using the colours of the Gay flag and two bouquets. Those very flowers have two meanings:the one means happiness for homosexual unions whilst the other is in remembrance of all those homosexual victims who tragically and unjustly met their death. I mean all the victims who are officially registered in the documents but have been forgotten for too long. The nazi victims especially, who suffered discrimination and fear of gender difference caused by ignorance and the fact that homosexuality is a condition and not a choice. Society has ignored for too long who the "pink triangles" were and it seems that the gay community has also forgotten today. With this work, I would like to awaken the memory of so much suffering and also stir the consciences of all concerned by offering this token of remembrance through the holy Lady which I have portrayed. I am convinced that no other than she could express the suffering of all those families who lost their sons only because they happened to be 'different'. Many things are slowly changing today in many countries . The GLBT community is gradually becoming more and more respected thereby restoring the hopes and dreams denied so cruelly to the homosexual victims of Nazism. In my simbolic portrayal, Mary is the mother of humankind, oblivious to differences, dispensing her Love to all.
Raffaele Ciotola: Pioneer of Contemporary and Social Art
Raffaele Ciotola is a renowned Neapolitan artist, born on October 17, 1964, who stands out in the contemporary art scene for his unique ability to blend aesthetic innovation with a strong social commitment. His career has been marked by a revolutionary approach, capable of redefining the boundaries of modern art and exploring critical themes such as inclusion, civil rights, and social justice. His works, with their powerful emotional and visual impact, communicate universal messages that encourage reflection and change.
Education and Artistic Influences
Ciotola is not a self-taught artist, but a Master of Art with a solid academic education. After earning his Maturità Artistica, he distinguished himself for his passion for music, studying Bel Canto (Lower level – tenor) at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella in Naples. This experience further enriched his artistic vision and expressive capability. His formal education and academic experiences, combined with his sensitivity, enable him to explore and manipulate various artistic languages, uniquely combining tradition and innovation. His artistic influences range from classical Neapolitan art to international avant-garde movements, creating an ongoing dialogue between past and present. This approach allows him to confront contemporary social and political challenges, using art as a powerful communication tool to raise awareness and promote change.
Social Commitment and Creativity
Raffaele Ciotola has always conceived art not only as a form of aesthetic expression but also as a means of social reflection. His works have never been simple visual representations but manifestations of critical thought, exploring power dynamics, social inequalities, and the need for inclusivity. With an original and bold visual language, he has captured the public’s attention, creating works that are both provocative and immensely beautiful.
Ciotola has demonstrated how art can be a powerful vehicle for communicating universal human values and stimulating public dialogue on relevant social issues. Thanks to his education and vision, the Master manages to convey his commitment to society through each of his creations, making each work a symbol of change and hope.
Recognition and International Impact
Raffaele Ciotola’s works have received recognition in numerous countries, with exhibitions and participation in internationally significant events. His shows have attracted the attention of critics, gallery owners, and museum curators, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and controversial Italian artists of his generation. His transgressive approach and his ability to provoke deep reflection on current issues make him a prominent figure in the contemporary art world.
A Manifesto of Artistic Innovation
Raffaele Ciotola is not just a visual artist but also a true cultural innovator. Through his art, he tackles complex themes and stimulates public discussion on civil rights, equity, and social justice. His works, rich in chromatic intensity and refined chiaroscuro techniques, create a unique synergy between aesthetics and content, making them accessible to a wide audience. Each piece is an invitation to reflection, an exploration of human emotions and the challenges of contemporary life.