Pablo Solari, born in Buenos Aires on April 13, 1953, embodies a deep connection to his Italian heritage and the rich artistic traditions that influenced his early years. As the son of Italian immigrants from Massarosa, Italy, Solari grew up in a home that nurtured his love for art and instilled in him a passion for creativity that would shape his entire life. By the age of 2, he was already drawing and crafting comics, and at 8, he began formal art training at a children’s art school, where he explored various painting techniques that laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
At 13, Solari made a pivotal decision to break away from merely replicating classic works and instead began forging his own artistic identity. This turning point led him to leave formal education, embarking on a self-guided artistic journey supported by his parents. Solari immersed himself in the study of great artists, not only mastering their techniques but also absorbing the nuances of their biographies and creative philosophies. This extensive, independent study equipped him with a rich, multifaceted understanding of art history, which he has synthesized into a distinctive style that bridges historical influences with his own vision.
In 1974, eager to improve his understanding of form, Solari turned to sculpture, studying under the guidance of Roberto Tessi for three years. This experience heightened his proficiency in drawing and gave him a new dimension of artistic expression. However, painting remained his true passion, and in 1990 and 1992, Solari refined his craft through further study with artist Osvaldo Dubati. These experiences solidified Solari’s unique artistic approach, which blends classical techniques with a profound social message.
One of Solari’s most powerful recent works, “Standing” (oil on canvas, 90×110 cm, 2024), reflects his deep commitment to themes of social justice and human dignity. The painting depicts a family struggling with hunger, their future precarious as they face the harsh realities of a society indifferent to their plight. With no bread on the table and barely enough food, the family is portrayed as trapped in a desperate situation. Outside the window, protestors march, demanding the rights and dignity that have been denied to them. The family represents the millions of ordinary people grappling with systemic injustice, and the tension within the painting captures the universality of their struggle.
At the heart of the scene stands the grandfather, a figure of resilience, drawing from the historical struggles for workers’ rights. He leads the family in confronting their hardship, embodying the perseverance that has carried generations through times of deprivation. The mother, clinging to her children, symbolizes protection and love amidst adversity, while the father, seeing his child’s empty plate, rises to take action, his heart ignited by the fierce passion to ensure his family’s survival.
The painting’s palette, rich in fiery hues, conveys the urgency and intensity of the struggle. The colors burn with the heat of passion and defiance, symbolizing the fight for survival and the hope for a better future. Solari’s brushstrokes breathe life into the scene, transforming a moment of despair into a powerful call for social justice. Through “Standing,” Solari speaks not only to the personal struggles of the depicted family but to the collective fight for dignity and rights shared by all oppressed people.
The painting embodies the core of Solari’s artistic philosophy—an unwavering belief in the right to life, the right to provide for one’s family, and the right to a future where education, medicine, and basic human needs are not denied. The figures in “Standing” are not isolated in their suffering; rather, they stand in solidarity with others, reflecting Solari’s rejection of the destructive individualism that has contributed to the world’s current crises. Outside the window, the march continues, representing hope, regeneration, and the ongoing fight for the rights of all people.
Pablo Solari’s art serves as a vivid reminder of the power of creative expression to highlight the pressing issues of our time. Through his work, Solari continues to inspire audiences to reflect on their own roles in the fight for justice, urging us to consider the greater good and to stand united in the pursuit of a more equitable world.
