ZITA | ELISA ZADI

Elisa Zadi is a young Italian artist who uses painting as her main form of expression.
Through her practice, Zadi explores every nuance of her inner self in search of a deep understanding of reality and, even more fundamentally, of herself.

One of the main themes addressed by the artist pertains to the feminine sphere. Zita (2014)—meaning ‘woman’ in dialect—is a complex artwork, rich not only in formal elements but also in multiple layers of meaning. This installation is divided into three parts, each composed of: a square linen canvas depicting a woman’s face; a very simple dress, made from the same material and decorated with painted flowers; and, finally, another canvas, this time rectangular, featuring a pair of legs. These three elements are installed vertically, from top to bottom, forming a human figure, precisely the ‘zita’.

Although aesthetically similar, some details identify the three ‘zite’ as unique and distinct, the most notable being the woman’s gaze: in one instance, her eyes are closed; in another, they stare directly at the viewer; and in the last, they are turned to the side, as if looking at an external presence. Each gaze conveys a specific intent, whether it is to examine her own conscience or that of someone else.
The legs also assume slightly different positions, indicating postures that are more or less resolute.
Another important detail is the flowers decorating the dress and hair: recognizable as wildflowers, they belong to three different species and come in three colors—red, yellow, and blue.

Every element chosen by Zadi to compose the artwork symbolizes simplicity: a tunic as a dress, the wildflowers as decoration, the nakedness of the legs… The complexity lies in the artist’s intent to make this work a medium connecting the consciousness of the artist, the audience, and the artwork itself. The dress is real, three-dimensional, not painted, and seeks direct contact with the viewer, positioning itself as a meeting point. Through her unique language, the artist transforms Zita into an almost divine figure, transcending mere figurative representation and taking on the weight of collective consciousness.
Zita is an artwork. Zita is a self-portrait. Zita is every woman.

Elisa Zadi
Zita, 2014
Oil on linen fabric, installation 220 × 100 cm
Courtesy Zadi Atelier

Elisa Zadi, Zita, 2014.
Oil on linen fabric, installation view, 220 × 300 cm. Courtesy Zadi Atelier.

18/12/24