THE PROJECT SPACE

animalia: paintings by ester curini

186 State St.

5 July - 24 August, 2024

Press Release:

Known for creating photorealistic animal portraits set against stark white backgrounds, self-taught Italian painter Ester Curini has explained that isolating the endangered species on a blank canvas allows her to concentrate on a subject’s essential characteristics, and, at the same time, on what is essential to her as an artist.  This allows the animal to be in the main role rather than a supporting one.  Curni does this to give them a strong and powerful voice. 
Curini states, "Animals need that voice, now more than ever, because they are so often mistreated.  The annihilation of wildlife has become an emergency that threatens our planet.  The mistreatment of domesticated farm animals is rampant as well."
Curini's paintings reinforce that the only possible way for humans and animals to thrive is finding a compassionate way of coexistence. Her subjects appear anthropomorphic with their human poses and matter-of-fact gazes, often turned directly back at the viewer.  She captures each animal’s individuality and character with amazing intimacy and vision. The viewer is forced to confront the animals directly, considering their physiognomy, unique colors, and elegant gestures.
“My aim is to raise awareness about their importance in our ecosystem,” Curini says. “They have been hunted, trapped, and poisoned. Specifically, the Mexican Gray and the Red wolves. They are the most endangered species in North America.”
The center of her work is capturing the unique energy, essence and the spirit of each creature she paints in order to connect the urban population with nature.