In an age where digital art is all the rage, it’s refreshing to see someone keeping alive the art of Fresco. Roberto Ruspoli is one such artist, and he’s gaining recognition for his work in reviving this classical art form.
Ruspoli’s signature frescoes feature silhouettes of young men and androgynous figures inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome. With clean, graceful lines, he paints with pigments on wet plaster or directly onto walls and ceilings. Born in Switzerland and raised in Rome, Ruspoli studied Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York before settling in Paris. Two years ago, under the invitation of architect and designer Fabrizio Casiraghi, Ruspoli painted the ceiling of one of the rooms at the Parisian design event AD Intérieurs. The project led to a series of private commissions to decorate interiors in London, New York, Napa Valley and Sausalito in California, and Lecce in Southern Italy.
In Paris, Ruspoli has also painted a fresco with nymphs for the Salon Proust in the historical Art Deco restaurant Drouant, famous for hosting the jury of the prestigious literary prize Gouncourt every year since 1914. With a revival of interest in fresco painting, Ruspoli is at the forefront of this art form once again. His beautiful and intricate frescoes are a sight to behold, and his commitment to reviving this art form is commendable.
Ruspoli’s primary source of inspiration is classical antiquity, but he’s also fascinated by the primordial relationship between human kind and art. This is something that originated on the walls of caves, and it’s something that Ruspoli aims to bring back to life in his work. His unique take on classical subjects, mediated by a modern sensibility, is what sets his work apart. Talking about his influences, Ruspoli also mentions Florentine Mannerism – with the importance accorded to drawing – and the triad Cocteau-Matisse-Picasso. Drawing is an essential part of Ruspoli’s process, and he often works with little or no preparatory studies. This creates a challenge, as the technique doesn’t allow for mistakes. But it also creates a sense of immediacy and vibrancy in his work that is truly unique. Whether you’re a fan of classical art or you’re simply looking for something new and exciting, Roberto Ruspoli is an artist that you should definitely keep an eye on.
For more information about Ruspoli’s work, please visit his gallery’s website.
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