Jem Perucchini presents his solo exhibition titled ‘Strange Fruit‘ at Corvi-Mora Gallery in London, a visual assemble that challenges the understanding of identity, history, mythology and the enduring power of human emotion. With his masterful use of texture, colour and evocative storytelling, Perucchini invites his audience to explore the complexities of their shared humanity. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Italy, Perucchini draws inspiration from the rich blend of both Western and African art traditions. His paintings are often characterised by their large scale and intricate details which seamlessly blend elements of classical Renaissance art with contemporary motifs. A key element of his practice is his engagement with visual and historical tropes. While the Renaissance’s influence can be felt in the purity and symmetry of his forms, his works move beyond this period to unearth lesser-known historical narratives, which he illuminates through his paintings.
With that said, ‘Strange Fruit’ compels viewers to reflect on how myth and history continue to shape modern identities. Perucchini’s exploration of identity is often intertwined with themes of hope. In ‘Anemone (The Letter), 2024,’ he depicts a lady reading a letter in the presence of three men. The painting’s warm palette and dynamic composition convey a sense of hope and amplifies the lady’s state of longing for the writer of the letter. Another powerful work, ‘Ipomea (Eurydice), 2024,’ features the portrait of a lady who is looking away at something that might have caught her attention. From the title of the piece, in Greek mythology, Eurydice was the wife of Orpheus, whom he tried to bring back from the dead with his enchanting music. Perucchini’s piece could be speaking to the lady looking at someone she hopes will return to her.
In ‘Strange Fruit’ Jem Perucchini challenges the viewers’ perceptions and inspires them to think critically. It inspires a pondering on the meaning of life, the nature of identity as well as the enduring power of art to connect people across time and space. This is set to be one of the standout exhibitions of the year as it draws viewers who are interested in contemporary art that pushes boundaries while drawing on historical traditions. ‘Strange Fruit’ opened on the 9th of October and will run until the 16th of November 2024.
