Works
Chinese Democracy and the Last Day on Earth
In this trilogy, Federico Solmi lampoons contemporary society and the self-destructive nature of mankind. Through a playful and seemingly innocent visual style, he addresses authoritarianism, consumerism and the obsession with power. The first part, A Song of Tyranny (2012), introduces a cruel political leader, as he unveils his plan of world domination. At the same time, the story is captured in an interview with an American journalist that highlights the connection between power and the media. The central piece, Chinese Democracy and the Last Day on Earth (2012), begins in the Garden of Eden and ends in a bloody takeover of Times Square, symbolising the transition from innocence to violence. In the last part, The Return of the Prodigal Son (2014), the dictator, after conquering the world, faces the consequences of his ambition when he discovers the truth behind his success. In this trilogy, Solmi invites us to reflect on the structures of power and morality in today's society through an aesthetic combining fun with a deep criticism.
