It’s written “Smiling at Humanity”, but it reads welcoming. It is the title of the work by the Neapolitan artist Francesco Filippelli, created in three months and donated to the city of Brindisi. The painting enriches the Adriatic capital, recalling the great sense of welcome of the Brindisi population. It is an “iridescent” work, depicting the Madonna and a child, which aims to increase the tourist appeal of the city, transmitting emotions and values.
The portrait changes expression with the temperature
The portrait, thanks to the use of some special chemically reactive pigments, invented and patented by the artist himself, transforms under particular temperature conditions, showing a different image. The Madonna expands her smile and then becomes serious again. And so she repeats herself. This effect is capable of creating great curiosity and amazement in those who witness the transformation. On the occasion of the G7 the work will be hosted in the rooms of Palazzo Nervegna, and will subsequently be moved to the port, to the Authority’s premises.
A universal message of welcome
«A painting designed specifically for Brindisi – explained the artist – represents a Madonna caressing a child, who is not Jesus, but all of humanity. The observer, looking at Mary, identifies with the child. Hospitality is the main point of the work – concluded Filippelli – Brindisi is historically a safe port, where people arrive. I wanted to tell this very message.” The idea of the president of the port system authority of the southern Adriatic Sea Ugo Patroni Griffi was born from the Madonna of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, the British author who recounted his conversion to Catholicism, following his visit to Brindisi on his return from the Holy Land .
A magnet for tourists and the curious
«I thought it was a nice project – declared Patroni Griffi – and we identified the right artist. She is a contemporary Madonna, easily understandable even by the youngest. The art of this innovative painter is not only an element of aesthetic beauty, but a magnet that will attract visitors and curious people, leveraging a classic painting which, thanks to “alchemical” processes, manages to transform. A further stimulus for the local economy and a vigorous impetus capable of strengthening community identity, as well as a universal invitation to welcome, solidarity and peace”. The portrait, therefore, evokes the concept of welcome. «The main idea was this – specified Mayor Marchionna – it is the re-proposal, in a modern key, of an event that actually happened in this city. We are historically a people of hospitality and convergence, which is why I support Brindisi’s candidacy as capital of culture. We are a geopolitical bridge between Europe and the rest of the Mediterranean.”
