№036 06022024

Federica Baruffi ( Gesa )

Federica Baruffi, known as Gesa, is a visual artist from Bergamo, Italy.

Born in 1983, self-taught, she stands out for an art that transcends traditional photography, exploring the vastness of the human emotional universe through intense and cathartic images. Her work, reminiscent of the "Don't Panic!" mantra from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", tackles themes of pain and trauma, transformed into visually loaded expressions of meaning.

Among her achievements is the project "Organised Chaos" featured in Broad Magazine, and exposed at Liquida Photofestival. Inspired by a diverse cultural diet that includes music "that tastes of anger", anime and manga like "Ranma 1/2", and cult films of the 80s, Gesa creates works that challenge conventions, mixing irreverence, play, and deep introspection in a unique and innovative visual language.

The ongoing project L.I.M.B.O. (Living In My Biological Obscurity) delves into the complexities of living between the demands of Western society—driven by productivity, wealth, and competition—and the deep journey toward spiritual enlightenment.

L.I.M.B.O. offers a cathartic exploration designed to confront and heal personal traumas.

In this collection, the concept of beginnings and endings serves as a central theme, creating a poignant dialogue between our ancestral heritage and our envisioned futures. It suggests that suffering, though difficult, is essential for personal growth, propelling us through cycles of challenges and renewal. This process is visualized as an emotional rollercoaster, with intense moments of joy, pain, loss, and rejuvenation. More than just a personal narrative, L.I.M.B.O. reflects a universal truth—that while we experience life as individuals, we are fundamentally interconnected.

This exhibition challenges the viewer to reconsider notions of individualism and to embrace a collective identity. It invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences as integral parts of a shared human journey, promoting a deep, introspective look at our roles within a larger societal context.