metamorphosis
| ˌmedəˈmôrfəsəs |
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means
Late Middle English: via Latin from Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun ‘transform, change shape’.
What is Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis?
A multimedia artistic project based on Shakespeare’s famous story.
Created by the Verona-based artist Alex Righetto, the theme recreates the well-known story of the two lovers while presenting a discussion on relationships via visual art.
FACTS
The Exhibition consists of twenty paintings arranged in a row with augmented reality multimedia components that can be accessed with a smartphone.
It started in 2021 and has already achieved tremendous success since its debut in Miami during the art week and Art Basel Miami.
Overview
The most well-known love story in history is arguably “Romeo and Juliet,” which depicts the passionate tale of two young lovers staged in Verona. I have a strong connection to that place because it is my hometown .
Growing up in Verona, I often walked past the famous balcony where Romeo declared his love for Juliet. The city’s cobblestone streets and ancient buildings served as the backdrop for my own romantic adventures, making me feel like I was living in a real-life love story.
As I reflect on my time in Verona, I realize that the city’s romantic charm has left a lasting impact on my view of love and relationships.
Unfortunately, the theatrical drama offers very little hope to the two young lovers, culminating in their tragic demise.
Perhaps it is the heaviness of the story that leaves room for reinterpretation. In 2020 and 2021, I dedicated myself to finding a way to preserve the essence of the narrative while giving it an inspirational tone rather than being purely tragic.
By adding a modern twist to the classic tale, I hope to inspire others to see love as a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle. My reinterpretation aims to showcase the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, offering a new perspective on this timeless story.
Through this timeless perspective, I decided to revisit and give recognition to the story, but with a twist: what if Romeo and Juliet hadn't died?
What would have happened if Romeo and Juliet had not died?
What would have happened if Romeo and Juliet had not died? What impact would their love have had on their families and society as a whole? Would their story have served as a beacon of hope for future generations, showing that love truly knows no bounds?
It’s intriguing to imagine the possibilities of a world where Romeo and Juliet’s love was allowed to flourish and grow, breaking down barriers and inspiring others to follow their hearts.
In my reinterpretation, I aim to explore these questions and more, shedding new light on the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
I created an exhibition where each artwork represents a key moment in the story. Using these paintings as pillars of my narrative, I wanted to outline a path that aims to inspire people, rather than simply shock them.
I shared this story with thousands of individuals, in person. I noticed the tears shining in their eyes, and I felt their curiosity, their joy, and their pain. I felt a deep connection with each person as they listened to my words.
Because this is what my artistic series is about: the metamorphosis that each of us must face with our life partner, the need to shatter our selfish darkness to discover and preserve true love. That love that can persist and that guides us to live extraordinary lives. It is a love that requires vulnerability, sacrifice, and growth. It is a love that challenges us to confront our deepest fears and insecurities.
As I watched the audience react to my story, I knew that I had succeeded in my goal of inspiring them. I could see the hope and determination in their eyes, and I knew that my words had touched their hearts. This is the power of art – to connect us, to uplift us, and to remind us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.