“La petite mort” investigates the theme of female masturbation. A free and timeless practice, a unique moment of connection between the mind and the body. A private, precise and violent dialogue, son of our fancies, problems and experiences that have led us to formulate it as a unic and rummy idea. The only moment in which we can express ourselves for what we really want beyond an opinion, according to the most private vision of one’s being.
A solemn, constant and unshakable music prepares the canvas for the thousand fantasies of a woman snug to herself. The spontaneity of the gesture is translated into the playful screams of children, carefree noises against an acid-colored sky, expression of the most muddy fantasies of a protagonist, brilliant in a casual and childish dance. The sounds of nature, the birds and the wind, elevate the figure to embryonicity. She escapes from the contemporary scene, she tears off her flesh and explodes away from everything and close to herself. She screams and is beaten, feeling forever.
Masturbation is vibrant and bold, the female one, often ignored, the most elegant and primordial.
Gherardo Ulivi was born in Florence, where he grew up and professionally trained. He studied Fashion Styling and Creative direction at the Istituto Marangoni in Florence. His works investigate the human being, from a physical and mental point of view, these concepts often intermingle ideas ranging from anatomy to psychology. Contrasts are the base of his language. Violence and childishness, sadness and irony, constraints and freedom, pain and pleasure. He expresses himself mainly through photography and video.
He currently lives and works in Florence.