Context: The meeting between artist Cosimino Rolli and Mario Capanna took place at the Campo dei Giganti during Capanna’s lecture on the civilization of the olive tree. In this setting, Rolli presented Capanna with one of his iconic olive wood roosters, sealing an immediate elective affinity. Their dialogue developed around a shared civic consciousness: the conviction that art and thought must serve as instruments of social redemption and active testimony. From this synthesis of cultural militancy and artisanal wisdom, the critical text dedicated by Capanna to Rolli’s work was born.
Artist: CosiminoRolli
Title: Galli Rolli (Rolli’s Roosters)
Medium and Technique: Hand-carved olive wood
Dimensions: Various, life-size
Exhibition: July 27, 2023
Location: Il Campo dei Giganti

Critical Textby Mario Capanna

The “Galli Rolli” are, quite simply, masterpieces (the one gifted to me by Cosimino overlooks my home from atop a large bookshelf). They are masterpieces for many reasons. First, because of their perfect form, often rendered in life-size proportions. Then, there is the magic of the olive wood itself, with its strong yet graceful grain that evokes the infinite richness and beauty of the tree.
At the center – and within – lies the mastery of the artist, who bridges the earth with the heavens of creativity, further ennobling that which is already noble by nature. It is a precious synthesis of the symbiosis between man and nature, an elevation of matter through the hand and the mind. Thanks to Cosimino, his meticulous chisel-work allows the wood of the dead olive tree to live again in new forms.A masterpiece of art. And a symbol of this Mezzogiorno (Southern Italy) that does not resign itself, but instead invents and creates, giving wings to the pride of an indigenous and autonomous redemption. It is proof of just how far the fertile inspirations born in this place can reach.