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We did this ELEPHANT PARADE

Rabarama for Elephant Parade

The Elephant Parade held in the save the Asian elephant from A map of

historical Palazzo del Ghiaccio extinction and return to its natural indicating the (Milan) came to a standstill at the habitat. Elephants end of November, 2011. The The proceeds were divided with sponsored by Ard. exhibition climaxed with a grand Telethon, an Italian charitable Rabarama’s Anima-le gala during which the eighty fundraising event to finance (created speci cally elephant statues were auctioned. scientific research into cures for for Ard) paraded rare genetic diseases which are in Via Dante. The elephant calves swarmed the often overlooked by public & squares & roads in Milan ….. a private investors. colourful eye-catching open air exhibition parading the urban Ard decided to support this initiati- structure. A pleasant surprise for ve as technical sponsor for Italy hundreds of commuters! Since its and consequently “adopted” an first edition in in 2007 elephant which was designed by the parade has visited , Rabarama a Paduan artist and , London, Heerlen, sculptor renowned worldwide. , Singapore and Milan. The main objective of this initiative was to raise funds to

An interesting journey with Rabarama (Paola Epifani) to explore the evolutive path behind her elephant statue Anima-le.

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We did this ELEPHANT PARADE

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We did this ELEPHANT PARADE

Photo below left: Ilaria Raccanello (owner of Ard) & Rabarama .

Rabarama was overwhelmed by How did your artistic path only capable of reacting to two the idea of supporting the Elephant develop? simple elements: genetic heritage Parade (in collaboration with Tele- & cultural background. thon) and at the same time My art is the fruit of a personal & carrying the flag for a company artistic journey which is constantly from her home town. The following taking shape & has evolved by interview explains the nature & exploring different cultures. genesis of her elephant statue, I began with a materialistic & how this is part of her evolutive pessimistic image of the path, the expressive language humankind pictured as a biological involved and the importance of computer lacking in free will & Ard’s products in creating the consequently freedom of action, statue.

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Questo l’abbiamo fatto noi ELEPHANT PARADE

A few moments during the working process & a photo of Rabarama in the art gallery before Anima-le paraded in Via Dante (Milan).

This image is represented by At first I was dubious but then I “hominids”, anthropomorphous developed a conviction that my statues with mosaics & geometrical new spirituality & sensitivity was images which compose a sort of helping me to look at the network imprisoning interiority. This humankind from a different conception lead to the idea that a perspective. specific & individual sensitivity My many journeys to China & the distinguishes one subject from oriental philosophy determined the another & this concept completely passage towards a new concept of “overthrew“ the deterministic the path of life which was no longer universe which had constituted my simply from birth to death but an horizon. idea of reincarnation. An important element of this new How did this fact influence the prospective is the energy life evolution of your artistic path? supplies us & which every single individual helps to create. Finally my approach to I Ching, a sort of

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We did this ELEPHANT PARADE

Ardsilk, Neoard (solvent enamels) & Tema Seta (water enamels) were employed to decorate the elephants

as well as hexagrams. The jewish signature & esoteric symbol of my “angel” illustrates the importance of “angels” in our spirituality. The birth chart symbols indicate a profound sense of “being” and represent an idea of maternity & the education of those who appro- ach my art. The Elephant not only “talks” about Rabarama as an artist but also as a person and offers the roots for a perso- nal journey.

What sort of relationship do you have with Ard and what is your personal opinion about this company?

I am acquainted with Ard both for its avant-garde production philosophy & its social/cultural commitment which has often seen Ard as a sponsor for major refurbishing in Padua.

oracle one can interrogate in my work and in particular this order to carefully decide which specific piece of art, which is path to follow. I then integrated extremely important for me due the hexagrams in my artistic to its charitable, environmental work. & social importance (Indian craftsmen can protract the What does the elephant repre- statues). sent in your artwork? Which factors influence such a The Elephant bears an impor- strong symbolic language? tant message: it is the symbol of a species in extinction and The symbology involved in this represents the desire of piece of art have a very strong safeguarding life. The animal “spirituality” which explains the shape, which has an intrinsic name ANIMA-LE. I adopted value, represents spirituality. graphical & symbolic elements This generated a new phase of typical of the oriental philosophy

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We did this ELEPHANT PARADE

After the parade, the 80 elephant calves were on show in the “Frigoriferi Milanesi” before the auction which was held on 22 November

I personally appreciate the histo- rical & technical know-how with which Ard stands-up to the world of colours and manufactures its products. A unique example in this sector which diffuses a highly positive message!

Which colours did you prefer?

The optimum quality & coverage distinguish Ard’s products. I used water-based Tema Seta an odourless enamel with excellent workability. I have been strongly influenced by oriental colours such as red, metallic colours, gold & silver. I selected these hues from the wide range of NCS. The synergy was funda- mental & my personal style was enhanced thanks to these products.

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