Alex Righetto's "Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis" Stuns at Windsor Castle Exhibition

A major milestone for the “Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis” collection has finally been achieved. My collection, inspired by the Shakespearean classic, was exhibited in front of the British royal family. And no, this isn’t clickbait: it really happened. It was an emotional moment that added even more value to the collection and my artistic career.

I still can’t believe I managed to present my work to the royal family. The tension and excitement were palpable, but seeing my collection appreciated in such a prestigious setting made 2024 one of the best years of my life.

My name is Alex Righetto, and I’m an Italian artist. After exhibiting in Times Square, a solo show in Miami, and touring Europe in 2023, I returned to London with a unique opportunity: to showcase my solo exhibition at Windsor Castle. “Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis” is a project I began in 2021, and it has continued to grow and evolve.

“Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis” is a contemporary and innovative reinterpretation of the Shakespearean classic. The collection explores love, transformation, and duality themes, using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. I wanted to create a dialogue between the past and the present, showing how the emotions and conflicts of an ancient story can still resonate in our contemporary world. My works offer a unique vision of the characters and iconic scenes, infusing new meanings and perspectives into the tragic love story.

One of the main pieces in the collection is “The Balcony Scene: The Essence of Love Defined.” This piece captures the iconic moment when Romeo and Juliet declare their eternal love. I aimed to represent the purity and intensity of their emotions through a combination of vibrant colors and innovative painting techniques. You can find more information about this piece and others in the collection here.

The reactions from the audience at the event were incredible. Many people spent a long time admiring the pieces, captivated by the details and emotional depth. I noticed that many visitors scanned the QR code for more information, showing a genuine and deep interest in my work.

I had the chance to speak with the Governor of Windsor Castle, who was very pleased with my work. His approval added another layer of satisfaction to the day.

Preparing for the event was quite a journey. The artworks were in the United States, so transporting them to the UK and reframing them posed significant challenges. However, seeing everything perfectly set up at Windsor Castle made all the effort worthwhile. An interesting detail is that due to high security protocols at the castle, the company providing the exhibition panels was not permitted on the castle grounds. This created a logistical challenge for displaying the artworks. In a unique solution, the Royal military stepped in and constructed the panels on my behalf.

I chose Windsor Castle because I wanted to do something big that would create an impact. Shakespeare was from London, so I wanted to create a connection with the UK and the royal family. Windsor Castle, with its history and grandeur, was the perfect location for this event.

One of the most exciting moments was meeting His Royal Highness Prince Edward. On Saturday, July 8, 2024, we sat down together at the castle, sipping tea and discussing politics and art. Edward was extremely curious about the details, being a culture enthusiast. He asked where I was from and if I was residing in the UK. It was an honor to discuss the inspirations and ideas behind my works with him.

To celebrate the occasion, the field in front of the castle was transformed into a dreamlike scene with a military parade. This event honored the presence of Prince Edward, King Charles III’s brother, adding a touch of majesty to an already unforgettable day. The parade included the Royal Guard in traditional uniform, and seeing it live was simply breathtaking.

The event’s organization saw contributions from many key people, including the Oppo Foundation, Stacy Francis, Jamie Baulch, Cheryl Hicks (Jamie’s wife), and Melissa Farry. Their support and dedication were crucial to the success of the exhibition. The day was filled with tension and emotion, especially due to intermittent rain, which made organizing quite challenging.

The director of the PAAM museum in Miami Mr. Franklin Sirmans congratulated me on my work, a recognition that filled me with pride. Receiving positive feedback from other artists, art critics, and experts in the field was incredibly gratifying and motivated me to keep pushing the boundaries of my art.