Valentino is part of my ICONS series, a body of work exploring personalities and symbols that transcend their original purpose and become part of collective memory. Through this series, I am interested in figures who evolve beyond their field and become lasting cultural references capable of influencing identity, imagination, and personal values. This work is inspired by Valentino Garavani as a visionary capable of moving beyond conventions and redefining the language of fashion. I chose Valentino not only because he became a symbol of Italian identity recognized throughout the world, but also because he represents the importance of having a broader vision and the courage to step outside established rules. For me, Valentino is an icon and emblem of someone who managed to move beyond predefined schemes and create something truly unique. More than fashion itself, what inspires me is his mindset: the ability to continuously propose new ideas, challenge expectations, and transform originality into a recognizable identity. He represents an example to follow — proof that uniqueness often emerges when someone chooses not to remain confined within conventional boundaries. Instead of using a traditional rectangular canvas, I intentionally chose an irregular borderless wooden support to reinforce this idea. The shape itself becomes part of the narrative. Moving beyond physical boundaries mirrors the concept of moving beyond creative and cultural boundaries. The support is therefore not simply a surface but an active element of the work itself. On the left side of the composition, Valentino’s silhouette appears as the presence behind a vision that transformed style into identity. Rather than creating a detailed portrait, I wanted his figure to emerge almost like a symbolic presence or a memory behind his creations — the individual whose vision generated something capable of existing beyond himself. In contrast, the red dress becomes the visual embodiment of the world he created and immediately recalls the iconic Valentino Red, a color inseparable from his legacy and one of the most recognizable visual signatures in fashion history. The handwritten phrase integrated directly into the artwork — “Il rosso non è solo un colore, è una dichiarazione emotiva ed identitaria.” (“Red is not just a color; it is an emotional and identity statement.”) — becomes one of the central conceptual elements of the piece itself. The sentence is not simply text added to the image; it acts as part of the visual language of the work and reinforces the idea that color can evolve beyond aesthetics and become emotion, personality, memory, and identity. Through expressive acrylic gestures, layered textures, movement, and material elements, I intentionally avoided creating a precise representation. I wanted the work to feel closer to an emotional interpretation than documentation. I hope viewers see this work as a reminder that innovation often begins where convention ends. Sometimes the most recognizable identities are created by those willing to step outside expectations and build something entirely their own.

Artwork Size & Ink Base:

Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel. Original artwork. Dimensions: 18 × 21 inches

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Marco Sabatino Picone

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