Closer is a site-specific installation by artist Luna Palazzolo, and a small part of a broader body of work titled “La constitución íntima de las cosas” (the intimate constitution of things). This work explores the concept of “objects of transference” as described by Ernst Becker, which is the focal point of our efforts to maintain a sense of equilibrium in the face of anxiety. It may refer to people, certainly and perhaps mainly. Still, it also suggests our strong attachment to money, objects, material accumulation, and icons of all kinds, as well as ideas pertaining to social ideologies and self-image. This installation, made possible by the support of the Broward Cultural Division, is on view until August 27th at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Terminal 3.

In the artist’s words

Within the realm of painting, the act of priming holds significant importance as a fundamental stage. It is during this initial layer, that the material used plays a pivotal role in shaping the subsequent layers of the artwork. In my artistic practice, I transform a three-decade-old container of industrial blue chalk, once relegated to storage, into a substance known as gesso. Traditionally utilized for priming painting surfaces, this self-made concoction carries a rich history and serves as a foundation for my creative exploration.

Together / Closer / Now 

As an extension of my exploration of materiality in art, I have crafted three concrete sculptures where the words “closer/together/now” emerge repeatedly from the cementitious surface. Cast in small letters, these words entice viewers to approach closely, inviting them to engage intimately with the artwork. This experience fosters a sense of intimacy between the audience and the sculptures. By using repetition, I seek to draw attention to the paradoxical nature of our desires for both individuality and conformity. The recurring motifs in my work act as visual metaphors, symbolizing the psychological patterns we adhere to, sometimes unconsciously. It is through this process that I invite viewers to reflect upon the ways in which we navigate the complex interplay between personal identity and societal expectations.

FOLLOW LUNA PALAZZOLO

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