A project in two moments: eight portraits and the painting Broken Humanity, its central work; then Broken Humanity 2.0, the evolution of the series.
Human fragility becomes a subject of inquiry and reflection. Through the figure, the body and symbolic elements, Broken Humanity explores the contradictions of the human condition: vulnerability and resistance, suffering and the possibility of transformation. The project unfolds in two distinct phases, as the artistic language gradually moves towards a more intimate, spiritual and contemplative dimension. The research goes beyond depicting wounds to embrace the possibility of inner transformation, with light assuming an increasingly central role.
Eight people, eight stories: Marco P., René, Massimo, Nadia, Stefania, Angelina, Marco Monaldi and Simone Domeniconi. The exploration begins with individual identity and culminates in the painting that gives the project its name.
The painting that gives the project its name gathers the path of the portraits into an image of collective significance. A figure crossed by lines and geographies: the central work of this first phase.
The project continues with Dichotomy, Sacred Heart, Continua, Luce, Infinito, Vita, Armonia and Chiamata. Sebastian concludes this second phase of the research.
From individual portraiture to the portrayal of a shared human condition. Texts from the original Italian portfolio describe a shift in artistic language, combining painting, drawing, thread, maps and materials.
“I wanted to tell the stories of men and women, to tell the story of life, to tell the story of humanity in all its shades.”MARCO MONALDI · TRANSLATION FROM PORTFOLIO, P. 4
In his introduction the artist describes seeking a new language after his earlier work on angels. The project moves towards personal stories, fracture and the possibility of transformation.
He explicitly describes the transition from individual portraits to a more universal image:
“After creating this series of portraits, I felt the need to express the concept of ‘Broken Humanity’ through works that were more symbolic and universal.”MARCO MONALDI · TRANSLATION FROM PORTFOLIO, P. 9
On page 12, the artist explains the words inscribed within the central painting: a search for unity, empathy and peace set against violence and division.
Three interpretive texts and six short poetic pieces from the original portfolio. Artist’s excerpts are clearly separated from editorial notes; each entry links to the original Italian page.
EDITORIAL READING NOTEThe fractures in the plexiglass and the symbols of opposites — masculine and feminine, sun and moon, light and shadow — explore humanity's dual nature. The hands and maps suggest both tension and the possibility of unity.
Broken humanity is represented in my work through fractures on the surface of the plexiglassTRANSLATED EXCERPT FROM ARTIST’S TEXTVIEW THE ORIGINAL PAGE ↗ PORTFOLIO / P. 16
EDITORIAL READING NOTEDrawing on the iconography of Saint Sebastian, the work reflects on vulnerability and resilience. Red thread crosses the figure as passion, conflict and pain, while hope remains at its heart.
[…] humanity as victim, suffering and yet, though pierced and wounded, never ceasing to hope that things can change and improve.TRANSLATED EXCERPT FROM ARTIST’S TEXTVIEW THE ORIGINAL PAGE ↗ PORTFOLIO / P. 19
EDITORIAL READING NOTESacred Heart is conceived as a place of wounding and transformation. Backlighting illuminates the plexiglass and makes light part of the work itself: not a decoration, but a sign of the possibility of change.
The heart becomes lighter and shines.TRANSLATED EXCERPT FROM ARTIST’S TEXTVIEW THE ORIGINAL PAGE ↗ PORTFOLIO / P. 26
In the later works, words become essential: generative energy, absence, infinity, life, harmony and calling.
To you, generative energy. You who welcome life, yet are wounded by death. You who give birth to light, while humanity pushes you into darkness. In your sinuous lines is the signature of Mother Earth. Offended, attacked, degraded. You continue, with resilience, to answer nature. You continue, with tenacity, to rebuild what humankind would rather destroy. I ask you: continue, keep faith and never stop Loving.
I will look for you in the void. I will look for you in absence. I will look for you in the black hole of existence.
There is no space, there is no time. But an infinite flow of experiences. There is no destination, nor departure. But an endless cycle of paths. There is no birth, nor death. Endless waves of experience. In silence, experiences come to Life.
Hold life gently, but let your grip be strong and sure. Imprint upon it energy, the purest and clearest. Rejoice in every moment. May sorrows not last forever, and may love be infinite.
The magical accord, the hidden secret between the notes, in colours, in the play of contrasts, in the shades between black and white. Achieving it is the highest aim.
Quietly you lower your gaze and await the light of the Word. You welcome the will of infinity and make it your mission. Grant your grace to this broken humanity.
Two circular works document a transitional stage leading toward a new practice. The images and their zoom viewer are presented on a dedicated page.
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