Paul Hartel

“La Poetica del Fanciullino" (the art of the child)

Reminiscent of abstract expressionism, the works of Paul Hartel allow us to see what Giovanni Pascoli called “La Poetica del Fanciullino" according to which within each person there is, precisely, a child, “un fanciullino.” The possibility of marvelling at small things, of living in a way that is disconnected from conventions, on impulse; a key principle underlying Hartel’s art. 

Hartel’s works appear with strong visual impact due to use of colours, media and technique. The artist's impulsiveness and emotionality remain etched on the canvas, creating unique works with a substantive communicative and evocative impact. Strokes are impulsive, abstraction and figuration are uniquely mixed. The human subject is represented with a hallucinated vision, creating form from deformation, and giving free rein to spontaneity. The simplification of forms and the use of strong and contrasting colours make concrete Hartel’s reflection on the primitive and archetypal character of human existence. The lines are almost absent, the definable figurative elements develop in the paintings through the colour. Black strokes give strength and rhythm to the artistic productions. The face is often the true protagonist of the works: somatic traits seemingly distributed according to a plurality of viewpoints. Paul Hartel produces works of great splendor, which lead the viewer to a sort of visual and interior ecstasy, a return to oneself without conditioning.

 

Martina Viesti, Art Curator