We focus on the precise opposite of the conventional Leonardo Da Vinci, i.e. the “genius” confidently celebrated (and neutralized) with special effects on the 500th anniversary of his death. We’d like to present – with images and words – another person, another portrait: the personality of a young man. We see Leonardo as a free spirit. It’s a common and convenient cliché to portray him as the old saviour out of reach. The reality is very different. His real “genius”, as anyone can verify from what he wrote, is in his personality, his viewpoints and his unstoppable curiosity. He was a man who was ahead of his time, with a vision of life based on a real examination of facts. Anatomy, birds’ flight, water motion became expressions of poetic substance through technique. Physiognomy allowed him to represent personality using sfumato to reproduce the transitory aspects of life. Moreover, absolutely crucial in his biography and attitude was the acceptance and use of life’s disadvantages as an opportunity. Without classical studies and self-taught, he was a restless and perfectionist talent. As an illegitimate but recognised son, Leonardo Da Vinci knew how to achieve a larger existential freedom. Curious, uncatchable, a challenging perfectionist: he’s the quintessential “unconventional”, a central and necessary protagonist in human evolution.

—Paolo Rumio, Milano, 2019

Collaborators:

Rashwan Abdelbek, silkscreens.

Sergio Buono, digital rendering, films.

Roberto Lagrasta, gum prints.

Lidia Marino texts.

Yari Miele, frames.

Paolo Nava, digital prints.

Paolo Rumi, presenter, text.

Ciro Trezzi and MUR, silkscreens on fabric.

Mustapha Yousri, performer

Charles Vincent Sabba, forensic artist

Luca Locati Luciani, founder and director of the Aldo Mieli documentation center in carrara, Italy.

Exhibitions, Lectures, and Performances

Aldo Mieli Documentation Center , three events in Carrara, Italy, June 2024 curated by Paolo Rumi and Luca Locati Luciani.

ED, (European Institute of Design), Siamo Tutti Leonardo, Milano, October 23, 2019. Presented by Loredana Parmesani.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qmzekvt7IU&t=21s

Milano and LGBT* Movement 50th Anniversary, Another Leonardo, Ex Fornace art space. Milano, June 19, 2019. Presented by Paolo Rumi.

New York University, Casa Zerilli Marimo', We Are Leonardo, New York, September 17, 2019. Presented by Stefano Albertini, Dennis Geronimo, Filippo Fossati.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0sT7au3kX8