Inspired in the painting Portrait of Cosimo the Elder (1519–1520) by Pontormo, my piece is called Cozomo in Paradise. Cosimo was the founder of the House of Medici, ‘and died over fifty years earlier by the time this painting was commissioned.’ I decided to use this famous portrait of Cosimo to make a clear reference to Cozomo de’ Medici. This artwork celebrates his life and crucial role as a mecenas within the NFT scene.
This piece was originally inspired by a project proposed by the artist @KDeAngelis16. The overall idea for this piece was to allude to the wisdom required to navigate difficult situations without losing sight of why we are here in the first place.
This artwork was made in 2022, and as well as making a relation to the current bearish market in crypto, the Art market world and its inconstant movement. Similar to a peaceful sea that in seconds can reconfigure itself bringing the storm, the panic and chaos.
We must be resilient to navigate storms.
Cozomo in Paradise is also inspired by the CryptoPunk #3831 that is owned by him. Cozomo appears resting in a throne or chair of the pai ou da mãe-de-santo (father or mother-of-saint), that is the highest symbol of power in Candomblé (Afro-Brazilian religion).
More than that, it is a sacred symbol. The pai ou da mãe-de-santo, when confirmed in their role in the ‘terreiro’ are enthroned on the chair like kings and queens.
The chair is the throne of the ‘terreiro’ from where the pai ou da mãe-de-santo rules with absolute power. The throne is the highest symbol, for it marks the place from where authority speaks, the highest point of the assembly, the centre of the universe.’
Therefore, Cozomo is peacefully resting on his throne while holding a rare early 20th century Steiff bear in his hands. The toy in this case, represents the bear market that we are currently facing in the crypto world. The iconic toy used as inspiration here has been sold at auction in Thornaby for £3,200 in 2021. The Steiff bear in this image, represent a nostalgic and retrograde ‘classical art world approach’ to the arts itself and its obvious disdain to the artists.
The laurel found in the original piece is replaced by maconha (ganja), as this seems to be a very much loved plant by Cozomo and myself too. :D Wrapped around the plants we find a seed phrase with some others in my language, such as amor, casa and paz.
Finally Cozomo is wearing a La Creme de La Creme neckless inspired by our Member of Honor Cards. I joined LCDLC on the 8th April 2022. I knew many great things would come my way because of LCDLC, and I am proud to carry our name.
The frame for this piece also has many images that carry symbolism within. The weed leafs are close to the Lion of Judah, one of the most common symbols of Rastafari. Rastafari is referred as a religion and also a social movement and it was developed in Jamaica during the 1930s.
‘Culturally entrenched with the Rastafari movement since it began in the 1930s, marijuana – or ganja, as it’s more commonly called by Rastas – is considered sacred and is often referred to as the wisdom weed or holy herb.’ Snoop Lion converted to Rastafari back in 2012 after a trip to Jamaica.
The classic character Snoopy is known to be the reason why Snoop Dogg chose his name. The character is inspired in a Beagle, and we find four of them around the frame. I am an ultimate dog person and my own persona on NFT is named after my dog Astra. She has passed away many years ago and this is simply one of the most important connections I have made in this life. She appears in all my paints and I am sure she is guiding me right now and always will.
At the top, we see a fist representing the fight of minorities for respect, recognition and empathy. On the corners of the frame we see two famous emojis used by the House of Comozo (a glass of red wine and two crossed swords).
We also see two famous figures, the Venus and the Monalisa. The Venus is an important iconography in my works. She is the reason why my life changed on the 8 July 2022 and I own a lot of who I am as an artist for the good omens she has brought to me. Also here, the seashell is associated with Venus and with the female energy.
The oranges represent the Medici family fascination about citrus. ‘This passion began in the early 1400s, when Cosimo de’ Medici grew citrus trees in giant pots’, and continued in the family for generations. The Medici is believed to have adopted the orange tree as its family symbol’. The orange is also an homage to my loved piece As Quatro Estações, inspired in La Primavera by Sandro Botticelli.
Finally, Cozomo in Paradise is celebration of life and this wonderful journey that being an artist is. The drawing is infused with historical and emotional significance as we connect the past with present while envisioning the future.
And may this piece be part of this story too.
Because we have so much to say.
Thank you to everyone who has been an avid supporter of the arts and the artist.
We see you and we know who you are.
-
Artwork information:
Cozomo in Paradise | 2022 | ink on paper | 19.5 x 30 cm
