Elena Quidello

The artist Davide Cristofaro could not have chosen a more fitting title to wed the “spirit of Martina Franca”, that is, those artistic, folkloric, cultural and scenic aspects that seal his belonging, with the cultures of other countries which today, more than ever, find in the uniqueness and singularity of the Martina Franca area the ideal conditions in which to integrate and to tell their story. “La Straniera”, indeed, experiences, through the tourist and cultural itinerary of the area, the universality of the aesthetic and emotional experience; an experience which, deep in our consciousness, binds us all to that fairy-tale, secret world to be found in every marvellous corner of the earth.

La Straniera

The sweet, enchanted gaze of a “stranger” in the world of the “wonders” of Martina Franca becomes a symbol of unification between what, for a young Eskimo girl, the experience of life in a dwelling of ice might be, and that of life in a dwelling of stone.

Two realities set side by side, held together by that emotional involvement and that wonder expressed solely by the vibrant luminosity of the “stranger’s” large eyes; eyes that question, and on which the author concentrates his passionate, dreaming inner dialogue.

The young woman’s face, framed by the typical landscape of Martina Franca, represents the predominant purpose of the artistic act, without which the majestic centuries-old olive tree, the dry-stone walls, the old trullo, the poppies and the whole “spirit of Martina Franca” would have no meaning if they were not also lit by the gaze of the stranger, as by that of any other human being.

Colazione da Tiffany

A portrait with sharp, decisive contours, captivating and sensual as only a great Hollywood diva can inspire. Executed in mixed technique, the painter brings to bear a technical skill and such perfection in the use of colour as to make it alive and communicative.

The strokes with which he caresses the face of the diva, captured in a coquettish pose as in the script of the celebrated film, seem to penetrate her very soul, which against the arabesqued background attains its full optical attraction.

The silvery shades of colour in Audrey’s hair and the gaze full of wonder bring out all the candour and sweetness of her singular personality. While faithful to the source image, the artist has been able to immortalise the diva’s timeless beauty, translating it onto the canvas with his highly personal style and his equally personal mixed technique.