Composizione meccanica

77 Composizione meccanica (Mechanical Composition), 1971, oil on canvas, cm 50 x 70

This horizontal painting represents a key stage in Catarsini’s career, so much so that it was selected for international exhibitions in Paris in the 1970s. The work marks the return of the human figure within the mechanical mechanism. The element that immediately captures attention is located in the lower right: a large circle that dominates the scene. Within this circle is the face of a man, portrayed in profile and facing left. He wears a sort of protective helmet and a visor that covers his chin, leaving only his facial features exposed, painted in a deep blue color. Thanks to delicate whitish shades, the circle does not appear as rigid metal, but rather takes on the appearance of a bubble of water or a protective capsule, almost as if isolating the man from the rest of the mechanism.

Moving toward the center of the painting, the space is invaded by a series of interlocking, interlocking circles. These are not static forms; the arrangement creates a sense of vortex, a “whirlwind” that extends to the right, leaving a luminous trail behind it. This dynamic also suggests the image of celestial bodies moving in sidereal space. The background and the gears are immersed in a bright color palette: yellow ochre and red blend with brown and white hues, creating a vibrant contrast with the cool blue of the human face.

Meaning of the work: In this second era of Mechanical Symbolism, Catarsini reflects on the coexistence of humanity and technology. Human beings are literally “encapsulated” in progress, caught in a perpetual motion that seems to escape their control.