My interpretation of the traditional dress of Campidano is a small work that tells of history, culture, and belonging in red and gold.

Vanni Rocca

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The story of Vanni Rocca captures the essence of a life transformed by the power of art. Born in Sennori, a small hill town in northwestern Sardinia, on May 9, 1978, he unexpectedly entered the art world thanks to a twist of fate that reshaped his path. It is as if the forms and colors of his land lay dormant within him, waiting for the moment to awaken and demand expression. In 2017, at the age of 39, Vanni approached painting purely by chance and was immediately fascinated by it. During this period, he devoted his days to his work in the field of computer science, navigating the logical and structured world of programming, which requires precision and analytical thinking. However, it was during the night that his new passion came to life. In the silent hours, he embarked on a self-taught exploration of painting, a journey that was both a refuge and a revelation. These nocturnal sessions became his sanctuary, a moment when the world around him fell silent, allowing his creativity to flourish. Vanni's dedication to perfecting his art led him to develop a distinctive style, characterized by softly overlapping brushstrokes, bold lines, and thick layers of color. The portraits to which he devotes himself almost exclusively are expressed through an essential narrative, developed almost solely through the lines of the faces and the depth of the gazes. This pictorial synthesis, which tends to eliminate all that is superfluous, can also be found in the composition of his palette, which, inspired by the canons of tonalism, features a restricted selection of colors with which to paint the subtle complexity of the soul. The story of Vanni Rocca, imbued with passion and transformation, finds a pivotal chapter in 2020, a year of recognition and first significant achievements in the art world. It is during this period that his work began to bear the fruits of tireless dedication, marking his entry into the art scene with various successes. He participated in and won several plein air painting competitions organized in his beloved Sardinia, demonstrating that his bond with his homeland is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and strength. His participation in the Florence Biennale proved to be a success, serving as a springboard that propelled his name beyond regional borders. At the same time, he began a collaboration with Arte Spazio, a historic gallery in Sassari, which saw in him an emerging talent worthy of note and exhibition. In this year of growth and visibility, some of his artworks were published in independent art magazines in both Italy and America, marking the recognition of his unique style and artistic vision on an international stage. But perhaps it is when his work dedicated to Grazia Deledda, Nobel laureate for literature and pride of Sardinia, was accepted into the public collection of the Regional Institute of Ethnography, that the most emotionally significant recognition for the artist arrived. This event not only honors his ability to capture the soul of Sardinia and its iconic figures but also underscores the deep connection between his art and the culture of his land. In 2021, as a natural continuation of a journey already rich in satisfactions and recognitions, a new chapter began in his life: Vanni made the courageous decision to leave behind the security of an already solid career in the field of computer science to dedicate himself full-time to painting. This leap of faith was made not only to follow his passion but as a commitment to living more authentically. It is the declaration that art is not just a part of his life, but is his life. In search of contamination and growth, he left Sardinia to explore the vast cultural mosaic of Europe. His canvas found new inspirations among the lush almond groves of Andalusia, the shifting tides of the North Sea, the tranquil harbors of Baltic cities, and the shadowy depths of the Black Forest. Each place added layers to his work, blending the rich heritage of his homeland with the cultures he encountered. Yet, despite the numerous travels and the variety of his experiences, the essence of Sardinia remains at the center of his art: Vanni's work is a testament to how, no matter how far we wander, our roots continue to shape and define us. The story of Vanni Rocca is more than a biography; it is the narrative of the courage to embrace change, the determination to pursue one's passion, and the deep connection between an artist and his cultural heritage. It is a reminder that the journey to discovering oneself and one's creative expression must be both internal and shared.