ERICA CALARDO

Erica Calardo is an Italian figurative artist based in Bologna, Italy. Her work is deeply rooted in the techniques of Renaissance and Mannerist masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Bronzino. She creates hauntingly beautiful feminine figures that explore themes of beauty, magic, and the grotesque. Her art is characterized by its intensity and symbolic, dreamlike quality, often influenced by Art Nouveau.

Her work echoes the Renaissance tradition in several striking ways, particularly through her mastery of technique and attention to detail. Like Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Bronzino, she employs delicate rendering of forms, precision in anatomy, and a deep understanding of light and shadow. Her figures exude an ethereal beauty reminiscent of Renaissance portraits, but with a modern twist: her use of symbolism and surreal, dreamlike elements stands out as more fantastical than the grounded humanism of the Renaissance.

What sets her apart is the incorporation of magical and grotesque themes in her work, which diverges from the Renaissance’s focus on realism and the divine. Her style leans heavily into psychological and fantastical exploration, adding layers of mystery and emotional intensity. In essence, Calardo takes the technical refinement and aesthetic values of the Renaissance and reimagines them in ways that feel uniquely her own.

Erica Calardo's work bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary art movements. While deeply rooted in Renaissance and Mannerist techniques, her art incorporates modern influences like Art Nouveau and Pop Surrealism. Her symbolic and dreamlike approach aligns with the contemporary trend of exploring psychological and fantastical themes. Calardo's ability to blend old-world craftsmanship with modern storytelling makes her work resonate with today's audiences.