Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is treated as still under copyright. Davide Dormino was born in 1973 and has no recorded death date; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.
In context
Derail 2014 — Davide Dormino
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Gray #7e8a7c
Catalogued palette
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About this artwork
Derail 2014 — Davide Dormino
His work is an intricate mass of iron rods rising from train tracks. From a strong and apparently tamper-proof material a movement is born, it is the beginning of a transformation and a new life. Like Davide Dormino says: “DERAIL is a voluntary breakage of a preconceived scheme, a transformation that is a new beginning. DERAIL is the continuation of two parallel lines that will never meet, that rebel and fuse into an organic flow that overrides a boundary. A dead-end track is the end of two railroads that have been cut off with a clean cut. It is a barrier but also an arrival. Derailing means losing control over your own trajectory.” DERAIL comes as a result of the artist meeting the space, that specific location: the train tracks. The installation can only be enjoyed from inside of the long corridor of the Dogana. From the last windows of the space it is possible to observe this apparently lifeless artwork. The viewing from indoors shouldn’t be seen as a division between the spectator and the artwork, an impossibility to get close to the work. Instead it should be seen as a wish to have different points of view of the space and a reflection on the Dogana. The artist conceives the location as more than just a container for art, it is the contents itself, an integral part of it that completely fuses into the idea and the material that Davide Dormino has managed to mould together.
Artist and museum
Born in Udine, Italy
Born in Udine, Italy, in 1973, Davide Dormino’s artistic journey is a compelling narrative of rediscovering ancient techniques while confronting contemporary issues. His work, primarily focused on sculpture using materials like marble, bronze, and iron, isn't merely about creating beautiful objects; it’s an exploration of the creative process itself – a deliberate embrace of physicality, labor, and the inherent grandeur found in traditional methods. Dormino’s approach stands as a powerful counterpoint to the often-sterile world of digital art, grounding his creations in a tangible connection to history and human skill.
Early influences are difficult to pinpoint with definitive precision, though Dormino has spoken of a deep appreciation for Renaissance sculpture and the monumental works of antiquity. However, it’s more accurate to say that he was drawn to the process of creation – the slow, deliberate engagement with materials, the understanding of their inherent limitations and possibilities. This fascination led him away from purely representational art and towards a focus on form, texture, and the very act of shaping something substantial from raw elements. His work is less about depicting specific subjects and more about embodying concepts—courage, freedom, memory—through carefully considered forms.
Dormino’s artistic philosophy centers around the “grandeur of a creative process.” He meticulously researches and employs traditional methods, often pushing them to their limits. Working with marble, bronze, and iron demands immense physical strength, patience, and an intimate understanding of each material's behavior. This isn’t simply about applying skill; it’s about surrendering to the material, allowing its inherent qualities to guide the final form. The visible marks of his hand – the tool marks, the slight imperfections – are not concealed but celebrated as integral parts of the artwork’s narrative.
His commitment to these archaic systems is evident in projects like “Breath,” a monumental sculpture commissioned by the United Nations following the devastating 2011 Haiti earthquake. This piece, depicting a stylized human form rising from the earth, stands as a testament to Dormino's ability to imbue traditional techniques with profound meaning and emotional resonance. Similarly, his ongoing project, "Anything To Say?", a traveling sculpture featuring Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, and Chelsea Manning, demonstrates his willingness to engage with politically charged themes through monumental public installations.
Dormino’s work frequently extends beyond the confines of galleries and private collections, finding its home in public spaces. This deliberate choice is not merely about visibility; it's a conscious effort to connect art with the everyday lives of people. His sculptures are designed to be experienced, contemplated, and even interacted with – inviting viewers to consider their own roles within broader social and political contexts. The “Anything To Say?” project, in particular, exemplifies this approach, transforming public squares into sites of dialogue and resistance.
The Prix éthique 2016 awarded by the French organization AntiCor for "Anything To Say?" underscores the impact of his work. This recognition highlights Dormino’s commitment to using art as a vehicle for social commentary and advocacy, aligning with his belief that all artistic practices carry political weight. His engagement with issues such as freedom of information and government surveillance reflects a deep-seated concern for human rights and democratic values.
Currently teaching Sculpture and Drawing at the Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA), Davide Dormino continues to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture while remaining deeply rooted in its history. His work is exhibited both nationally and internationally, solidifying his position as a significant contemporary sculptor. He’s not simply replicating past styles; he's actively engaging with them, reinterpreting them through a modern lens, and using them to explore timeless themes relevant to the human condition.
Dormino’s legacy lies not just in the beauty of his sculptures but also in his dedication to preserving ancient techniques and employing them to address contemporary challenges. His work serves as a powerful reminder that art can be both aesthetically compelling and profoundly meaningful, capable of sparking dialogue, inspiring reflection, and ultimately, shaping our understanding of the world around us.
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Look closely
Derail 2014 — Davide Dormino
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The color that stands out most in "Derail 2014" is gray (#7e8a7c). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.
"Derail 2014" by Davide Dormino has a soft shadow luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.
The colors of "Derail 2014" by Davide Dormino show a muted saturation with a monochromatic intensity.