EVOKE Contemporary | 7/30-9/18 | Santa Fe, NM

Leading Roles

Ester Curini’s large-scale animal paintings are on view now at EVOKE Contemporary.

Italian artist Ester Curini found a love of animals at a young age. She recalls, “It began in the small northern Italian town of Casale Monferrato, surrounded by rolling hills full of vineyards and wheat fields. In the 1970s, I was there as a small child. I was utterly in awe of animals and wildlife. Innately, I sketched the animals I would see on any piece of paper I could find. In between these peaceful moments there were times when I witnessed terrible harm being brought to these animals and felt powerless. It was then that I made a solid pledge to protect these animals when I got older.” The Mighty Raven, acrylic on Belgian linen, 72 x 60"

Curini’s portraits of animals are often done on a large scale in an ode to the traditional academic notion that “the larger the portrait, the higher the status the sitter had.” Her paintings are a way to give a voice to the animals she paints. “The pain of seeing the harmless being harmed is still with me today,” Curini explains. She also places the animals against a white background, which puts them in a leading role rather than a supporting one, allowing for their voices to be heard rather than silenced.I Was Wild – They Named Me OR-4, acrylic on Belgian linen, 72 x 48"

In her upcoming solo exhibition at EVOKE Contemporary in Santa Fe, New Mexico, visitors will find canvases featuring endangered wolves, ravens and farm animals. The works show the balance of the ecosystem as well, since Curini paints both prey and predators in the same elevated light.Lobo Eyes, acrylic on Belgian linen, 60 x 72"

She says, “My portraits urge empathy toward each of these animals. Animals are, and always have been, my driving force and inspiration. I am passionate about wildlife and habitat conservation. I aim to raise awareness of endangered species and inspire viewers to protect these animals. Wildlife is so precious. Animals are often at our mercy, and it’s so important to understand that the true character of someone is reflected in how they treat those that cannot do anything for them. I feel it is my mission to give a voice to these magnificent animals who are voiceless.”Gardando ad Est, acrylic on Belgian linen, 30 x 60"