Jesus the Holy Zealot
Massimiliano-Viccardi
the Man and the Art
The Sculptured Art of
Massimiliano Viccardi
in N Y C
RECONCILIATION
Massimiliano created this artwork while trying to achieve serenity within himself. He thought that saints had reached this state, so he created a halo to represent holiness. He kept trying to picture himself within the artwork, wishing to experience this state of mind by working on it. “Spending months working on the same subject is just like doing research on holiness.” The difference is that he was not going through books but through a process of inner self discovery through constant questioning. Silver/mix low metal alloy, Blown clear glass, Resin Glass Pigments. (54 x 46 x 11 inches)
SPIDER SOIREE
Competition for power is a spider game. When we fight for power, competition turns to entrapment and exploitation. I created this artwork because I experienced unjustly behavior at work from colleagues. I felt the need to express that concept through this sarcastic image of a spider soirée where all spiders are going to this party and don’t realize that there’s a larger spider there already killing a smaller one.
Silver/mix low metal alloy,
Citrine quartz faced,
Swarovski crystal
bicone red, Resin glass,
Pigments. (42 x 42 x 4.7 inches)
OCEAN OF MILK
Love springs forth, expanding and growing. Divine bliss is achieved, allowing the whole being to fill with love. All that remains is for the heart to dwell in an ocean of milk. I started this artwork while I was alone,band finished it after I met my partner. Then when love begins to flourish all around it, there’s a state of peace.
Silver/mix low metal alloy,
Baccarat glass. Pigments.
(46 x 38 x 4.3 inches)
GERMINATEOUS
I created the word Germinateous as a combination of words; germination and spontaneous. The word represents the spontaneous germination of idea, independently emerging, replicating, evolving and forming a multicolored universe. This multicolored universe calls for respect and wonder. Respect for our individuality because there is a place for each of us in this universe. Wonder, because it is the very reason that gives color, light and beauty to our lives. It brings forth the color of beauty. While creating this artwork I reflected upon all that had happened during my life that prevented me from being my true self and breaking the bonds that had limited my freedom of expression. When we are born, we harbor the potential and freedom of expression. Then through our lives, depending upon the various teachings or experiences we go through, our potential can be squashed, preventing us from blossoming in the fullness of our potential. I use the example of a seed, growing and bursting forth, out of all clear Crystal, representing the expression of pure love. Once attaining freedom, it blossoms and blooms in the full expression of its color. Silver/mix low metal alloy,
Resin glass, Pigments, Swarovski crystal. (81 x 34 x 5 inches)
THE ROTTEN APPLE
In the biblical story, the serpent was evil. In the past, I felt an internal conflict concerning the story of the rotten apple, for I could not understand why God would create something as lovely as an apple, only to place another thing here to destroy it. If I were God, and had placed my children here, I would not have brought something to condemn my children for wanting to partake of the fruit I had given them. I no longer viewed the concept of a poisoned apple as the fault to the humans or the snake, but of the reality of temptation. Hence, I also placed a stork with horns on top of the apple, meaning the stork gave us life, but life comes with lessons we must learn. Now I see the story as the realization that GOD is love, love is GOD and GOD is not punishing us. We punish ourself through our simple minds.
Silver/mix low metal alloy, Citrine quartz faced,
Coral bamboo Fresh water pearl, Resin
glass, Pigments. (42 x 38 x 7 inches)
FLOGGING Flogging is generally associated with torture. Yet in this artwork, I use it as a symbol of the pain of motivation. When one passionately believes in something and is deeply inspired to achieve that goal, all the struggles and pressures may seem like pain, but really they are the wonder of inspiration. I was inspired to create this work of art during a difficult time in my life, that became increasingly difficult because of my religious background. I reflected back to the ancient time when priests used to flog themselves, all while focusing on God, hoping that the pain would be alleviated through their faith and trust in God. I represent such internal struggles with a whip in the shape of a question mark, yet created out of beautiful coral stones — to represent that when we struggle with a purpose, if we maintain our faith. all becomes bearable. The whip as a question mark asks the question: Are we really destined to go through pain to achieve something? Silver/mix low metal alloy, Glass beads, Resin glass, Coral bamboo, Pigments. (50 x 46 x 6 inches.)
THE CLONE Everything evolves, nothing is permanent, thus only the Clone exists. I started this artwork feeling an urge to attain perfection and accuracy, with full commitment to the process and at one point through many thought something light up with excitement! I envision the coral as the entirety of the human population, with each one different. Then I decided to chose one of them and clone it. So I created an egg in the middle with many clone to the one I choose to be the perfect been. I also grew to accept lack of perfection in myself, recognizing that none of the clones could be exactly the same. Now I just accept that I am doing my best and stop to be so severe with myself. Silver/mix low metal alloy, Resin glass, Pigments, Rough Coral bamboo 167 x 128 depth 21 cm
THE SUBTLE MIND When the body decomposes, matter enters into a state where it is no longer visible to the human eye, as its essence transforms into another state. I call this state the subtle mind. Although it is invisible, its energy lays the foundation of matter itself, for it contains the energy that enlivens the body itself. In this artwork I sought to capture the concept of magnificent immortality of the human mind, and the beauty of its enlivening essence as it transforms into matter. Immortal in its essence, it is not the body that contains a soul, but rather the soul that manifests itself through a body, the transcendent circle of creation! The soul is a never ending story of love. Silver/mix low metal alloy, Quartz crystal, Fresh water pearl, Resin glass, Pigments. (38 x 34 x 6 inches)
PARANOID CONCEPTION When one is in a state of stress, one sometimes conceptualizes something beyond their expectations. It opens our minds to a new dimension and breaks limitations. I recognized this when I was asked to create a piece for the exhibition. Instead of feeling stress, I thought back to my youth, when I was fully free to enjoy the process of creating. When I let go of anything stopping me from enjoying creating, I moved forward. This artwork represents an egg being fertilized by many sperm, while more are coming. If you plant a seed with sincere effort and pure intentions, something beautiful will be born. Silver/mix low metal alloy Blown glass with 22 carats gold leafs Resin glass, Pigments 106 x 106 depth 24 cm
THE COSMIC EGG The prickly, sharp shell symbolizes the armor we must each coat around ourselves to protect the inner passion and achieve our goals, fulfill our desires, and live our dreams. We develop such shells to protect ourselves, at any cost, to protect the wishes, passions, faith, and enthusiasm that lays hidden in our souls. No matter what, the joy that gives birth to such the passions is real, and must be protected. My imagination envisions something so precious that it must be born and flourish without any negative forces destroying it. l visualize a sphere or egg that must protect it, creating thorns to keep away any danger or anything that might hinder it from reaching its goals. This such a beautiful coat of armor, that it can both protect it, and represent its inner beauty. We must protect our passions, wishes, and dreams, as they are amongst our most precious gifts. Silver/mix low metal alloy Resin glass Pigments 80 x 75 depth 17 cm
THE COSMIC FIRE The cosmic fire burns eternally. From a distance it’s beauty transfixes those who gaze upon it. It emanates a feeling of attraction, drawing one closer into it. It is mesmerizing. In its essence. The cosmic fire is like the pure radiation of love. It purifies the heart and mind by burning away the ego. The Cosmic Fire represents the eternal energy of love — an energy that binds the entire universe together. We are all drawn to reach the day when, although in human form, we attain a state of a constant bliss. Silver/mix low metal alloy, Glass beads, Resin glass, Pigments. (38 x 22 x 5 inches)
ANXIETY This artwork represents a state of mind, which is terrified by the thought of being watched by an invisible being who is always judging it – thus affecting all of its actions. This was conveyed to me through religious teachings. Even though I always tried to be kind and loving, I could not shake off the teachings that I was being judged by GOD. In the center of the artwork, hiding within the twisting and kinking of wires forming a weird bush, lays the ever-watching neuron — a black stone representing the negative control of a judging eye. Throughout the intricate web of though and actions are hints of the color is red, conveying the pain of hurt and judgment. But a loving God, and love itself, should not hurt. The effect of such a web of judgment is anxiety. Silver/mix low metal alloy Polish black Onyx Resin glass, Pigments 77 x 68 depth 13 cm
THE EVOLVED Breaking through, shattering shells, burning barriers, and breaking walls of restrictions are the marks of an enlightened being. The silver egg is the symbol of absolute freedom. An enlightened mind cannot be restricted by our confused world. This artwork was inspired by any avatar on earth. The egg represent life and the shattered sphere represent all the barriers and influences that can affect any existence, but are now destroyed. Silver/mix low metal alloy Terracotta Resin glass Pigment 71 x 71 depth 11.5 cm
