The Artist Raffaele Ciotola, Living with HIV, Paints with His Own Blood: A Shocking Work to 'Raise Awareness Among Young People
Raffaele Ciotola is a contemporary artist known for his ability to push the boundaries of traditional art by using unconventional materials and addressing complex social issues. His art represents a continuous search for identity and meaning, expressing a profound reflection on society, marginalization, and the fight against ignorance through various forms of expression.
Ciotola is well-known for his project “Stop Homoph Art,” which explores and denounces discrimination related to sexual orientation, confronting the fear, hatred, and prejudice that persist today. Using his work as a tool for awareness, the artist has created provocative pieces to give a voice to those who are invisible, marginalized by society. In particular, his use of powerful symbols and experimental materials has drawn attention to the issue of homophobia and the urgency of cultural change.
Another distinctive aspect of his career is the “Rock Art Ciotola” series, where he merges visual art with musical culture. In these works, Ciotola explores the raw energy of rock music, translating it into bold, dynamic, and irreverent images. The series reflects on the symbiosis between music and art, suggesting that both are universal forms of communication capable of shaking consciences and stimulating deep emotional reactions.
Another significant chapter of his career is the “Finger Art Ciotola” movement, an innovative project that invites viewers to see art through the gesture of hands. In this case, the artist allows his fingerprints to become the medium through which the artwork comes to life. Every touch, every trace left behind, tells a story — an indelible memory that connects the artist to his audience. The tactile and direct approach of this series makes each piece unique, transforming the very process of creation into a declaration of intimacy and connection between the artist and the observer.
Raffaele Ciotola is not afraid to tackle delicate and uncomfortable themes, always pushing beyond the limits imposed by convention. His works are bold statements that invite social, emotional, and cultural reflection, seeking to break down the barriers of ignorance and stimulate constructive dialogue. With his unique style, his ability to challenge conventional thinking, and his use of provocative materials, Ciotola continues to make waves, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
Raffaele Ciotola
''A Message of Love''
This artistic creation of mine was born from the desire to help young people not to underestimate HIV. Unfortunately it is a virus that still exists and we can only live with it by taking medical therapies that do not definitively resolve, but block the virus allowing us to live a life projected towards the future.
I created this contemporary work with great LOVE. It was a great revelation for me artistically, but unfortunately I also had to deal with an unexpected negative aspect, in that from a social point of view I had to suffer sudden human separations not by my choice. I have lost many contacts on Facebook (even if virtual).
In my life the many apparently important friendships no longer frequented me, I invited them either to my house or outside, in the end they ignored me. I spend many hours alone and I realize that there is a lot of ignorance and a lot of unnecessary fear.
Feeling marginalized still in 2024 is very sad. I have a partner who loves me very much and for this I am grateful to life, and thank God he is also healthy. Even if I have a wonderful person next to me, when he isn't there I have to rely above all on myself and on very few people capable of not making me feel like an APPESTATIVE.
This condition is a great HANDICAP, it hurts me to the point of making me cry. Sometimes I suffer terribly and I think that having created this work of Contemporary art was a serious MISTAKE. Someone tells me that it was good for me to have created this work of art because I was able to distinguish the truth from the lie. I simply call it IGNORANCE!
Even for those who deal with ART it seems that I have created something disgusting, monstrous. Ok sure!
It's impressive though!
There is no risk, the VIRUS in contact with the air dies in a few seconds, combined with the linseed oil at the end treated with the fixative it becomes practically completely harmless.
Did I exaggerate to make myself heard by young people?
Perhaps!
I hope that young people remember me for the courage and face I put on publicly, so that I could attract their attention and to defend them from their naive inexperience. As in my case!
Raffaele Ciotola