All Eyes On: Silvia Sarsano

Biography

Born in Viterbo, Italy, in 1981, Silvia earned her MA in Visual Art at the Academy of Fine Arts of Rome, Italy in 2005 and also holds a MA in Contemporary Art History at the University from the University “La Sapienza” in Rome. She has taken part in several solo and group exhibitions as well as Art Festivals and Residences in Germany, Italy, UK, Tunis, North Macedonia, India. Since 2007, Silvia lives and works in Berlin, Germany

Silvia Sarsano photographed by Patrick Albertini

Statement

Her work revolves around topics such as generational stories, societal contradictions and expectations, individual and collective memory and workers’ rights, often from a female perspective. A constant source of interest is the controversies that shape our reality, especially regarding women and the intrinsicate contradiction they (we) live in: the duality between the poeticized image as saint, muse, goddess, and the inequality she faces in the real world, both in the personal and work environment, with the constant request from the society to blend in, to be silent. The chosen medium is mostly painting. Using the traditional format of portrait and incorporating at times traditional handicrafts manufacturers, becomes a means to create a bridge between the bearing of memory and the reflection on the present. Beyond the portrait she likes to examine the history and traditions of places and link them to our current world, also exploring topics and site specific stories through different media.

**Alessandra,** 2018
Oil on canvas 80 x 100 cm

This painting, just like the following painting “Dilara”, plays graphically and aesthetically with the idea of an expectation from a patriarchal society to women to blend in. I find that the more they are asked to blend in, the more they stand out.

“Dilara”, just like “Alessandra”, plays graphically and aesthetically with the idea of an expectation from a patriarchal society to women to blend in. I find that the more they are asked to blend in, the more they stand out.

**Dilara,** 2018
Oil on canvas 100 x 100 cm

***Sugar,*** 2021
oil and block printing on canvas, 150 x 100 cm

This painting is the starting point of an ongoing project, based on the intrinsic contradiction in the role of a woman in the society Wife, Mother, Slut. Goddess and Muse in the ideal world and underpaid worker in real life, at the same time. This painting represent a sex worker, on her day off from work, chilling on her sofa. Exactly like any other worker would do. But on her job there is a stigma pending. Sex work is work, and a sex worker can be a mother and a wife. The choice is hers.

In Alchemy – ‘the process of transmutation by which to fuse or reunite with the divine or original form’ – the transformation of the Matter is entwined with its spiritual transformation. Swinging between powerful positions to accusation of witchcraft at times, women gave a great contribution to alchemy.

The celestial body represented by Gold is the Sun. The metal was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, Irish, Romans, Asians, Africans, and Central Americans. It was believed to represent perfection and purity. A symbol of wealth, prosperity, authority and charisma, it was supposed to aid in healing, protection, growth, and knowledge.

Martina, 2020
Oil and gold leaves on canvas, 100 x 120 cm

Kaya, 2020
Oil, acrylic and cupper leaves on canvas, 100 x 120 cm

Copper is ruled by the planet Venus. It is one of the oldest metals and embodies the nurturing aspect of women and their youthfulness. It is associated with the matters of love & lust and symbolizes characteristics like charisma, feminine beauty, artistic creativity, affection, caring, and balance. It is also considered a healing metal that teaches about living a fulfilling life.

Get in touch
with Silvia

www.silviasarsano.com
Instagram: @silviasarsano_studio

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