Natura Morta, From the Paranoia series, 2018

Salvatore Arnone  

Natura Morta, 2018 by Salvatore Arnone. From Paranoia series . Digital print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth. Image size: 35 in. H x 50 in. W . Edition of 3 + 1AP . More Editions & Sizes: Small: 27.5 in. H x 39.4 in. W.  Edition of 5 + 2AP. Unframed 

Paranoia is the first chapter of a larger body of work that explores some of the recurring themes of the artist’s production as disenchantment, melancholy and his own personal idea of beauty. Shots were collected between 2014 and 2021 in different occasions while working at his fashion editorials or traveling around the world and arranged (and often edited and post produced) only a few years later.

This monochromatic artwork presents a still life composition that exudes simplicity and elegance. Set against a stark, neutral background, a white tablecloth drapes gracefully over a round table, creating a sense of purity. The focal point is a round hatbox adorned with a scalloped edge, crowned with neatly arranged fruit—a duo of oranges—that adds a subtle burst of texture. A lone orange rests on the table’s surface, while a delicate paper sculpture sits nearby, infusing the scene with intrigue. Further accentuating the composition is a slender glass vessel, its transparency enhancing the minimalistic aesthetic. The careful arrangement of these objects achieves a harmonious balance, evoking a serene yet contemplative mood. The absence of color channels attention to form and composition, making the viewer acutely aware of light, shadow, and spatial relationships inherent to this artwork.