The Kingdom of the Fanes interpreted by the British artist Endless
The Ladin legend takes shape in a mural at the State Art High School (Polo Val Boite) in Cortina d'Ampezzo
British artist Endless arrives at the Liceo Artistico Statale (Polo Val Boite) in Cortina d'Ampezzo to critically discuss the art form of Street Art and its controversies in the Workshop 'Street Art in Ampezzo'. Street art is often criticised in the world of contemporary art for its unclear borders that outline its style, for instance when artworks are exhibited on the walls of the city rather than on a canvas in a gallery.
The London artist started working in the streets of the city and now exhibits paintings in exclusive galleries in London, Italy and other countries. Endless uses a pop art approach inspired by the themes of fashion, branding and advertising. His graffiti caught the attention of great entrepreneurs such as Ed Burstell, CEO of Liberty London, who commissioned the artist to reinvent the shop windows for the 40th anniversary of the punk movement. Endless iconic works include "Calvin Classics" which was first spotted on the city streets' walls and is now projected on the facade of the Flannels Fashion store at Oxford Street, the heart of the British capital.
Street Art refers mainly to art forms created in public places, often illegally, with a range of artistic techniques that use spray cans, stickers, stencils, video projects and sculptures. In the case of the mural created for the Queen of the Dolomites, the artist took inspiration from the legend of the Fanes kingdom, updating it with his own style. "I depicted the main character Dolasilla - the artist says - as the great warrior described in the story, showing at the same time also traits of beauty and grace that characterize Kate Moss, image of today's fashion princess.
The fashion brand, subliminally inserted, provides the viewer with a connection to the modern world, while the blue background fades into the realistic sky around the mountains. The infinity repetition of Dolasilla's theme reinforces and gives rhythm to the painting, while the book, The Kingdom of the Fanes, represents the story behind the legend.
