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New Title: Inner Light, Fragile Form
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas with mixed media (lingerie, “FRAGILE” tape), 60×60 cm. Edges painted, ready to hang.
Technical Explanation:
The artwork is a testament to Bernardeschi Nelson’s practice of using art as both therapy and a vehicle for profound personal expression. It is a mixed-media piece that integrates a traditional painted background with a significant three-dimensional element. The background is a stunning acrylic representation of the Aurora Borealis, a subject the artist has explored in other works. The use of acrylics here is crucial; it allows for the intense, luminous colours that are characteristic of the northern lights, while the medium’s quick drying time enables the artist to build layers of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and movement. The vibrant, almost electric greens, blues, and purples are blended with soft, atmospheric washes, capturing the ethereal and dynamic nature of the celestial event. The artist’s decision to paint the edges of the canvas reinforces the artwork’s integrity as a complete object, meant to be viewed from all angles without the need for an external frame.
The mixed-media component is the central, narrative-driving element of the piece. A real piece of lingerie, a black lace corset or bustier, is meticulously attached to the canvas. This is a deliberate and impactful choice, transforming the painting from a two-dimensional image into a tangible, symbolic object. The lingerie, with its delicate lace and structured form, introduces texture, physicality, and a powerful sense of femininity and intimacy. The addition of “FRAGILE” tape across the garment adds another layer of media and meaning. The tape, a common, utilitarian object, stands in stark contrast to the delicate, personal nature of the lingerie and the sublime beauty of the painted background. Its bold, graphic lettering and industrial texture create a visual and psychological tension. The way the tape is crossed over the lingerie suggests a form of protection, a wound, or a warning, and its placement makes it impossible to view the lingerie without acknowledging this message. This combination of painted and physical elements is a hallmark of Bernardeschi Nelson’s experimental approach, reflecting her belief that an artist should not be confined to a single medium.
Philosophical Explanation:
This artwork is a deeply personal and philosophical statement that aligns with Laura Bernardeschi Nelson’s overarching themes of healing, spirituality, and self-identity. The Aurora Borealis in the background is a recurring motif in her work, symbolising the spiritual world and the “inner light” she believes connects us to it. For an artist who has used art to heal from trauma and mental health struggles, this celestial spectacle represents a boundless, beautiful, and resilient inner landscape—a soul that remains whole and luminous regardless of external circumstances. It is a depiction of hope, resilience, and the power of finding “the best light in your heart.”
The lingerie represents the physical self and the complexities associated with it, particularly for a woman. As a former life model, Bernardeschi Nelson has a profound understanding of the body as both an object of artistic study and a vessel for personal experience. The corset, in this context, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the societal pressures, emotional wounds, and physical constraints that one’s body endures. It embodies the “fragile” nature of our physical existence, which is susceptible to abuse, societal expectations, and the passage of time.
The “FRAGILE” tape is the nexus of the artwork’s meaning. It is a direct and poignant label that speaks to the vulnerability of the body and the psyche. The use of this specific word, in a common industrial font, gives the piece a raw, unvarnished honesty. It is a public acknowledgement of a private vulnerability. The tape can be seen as a self-protective measure, a symbol of the emotional defences we build to protect ourselves. It also functions as a powerful piece of social commentary, suggesting that society often handles people—especially women—as if they are fragile objects, easily broken and in need of being labelled and contained.
Ultimately, Inner Light, Fragile Form is a work of profound duality. It presents the viewer with the contrast between the vast, transcendent beauty of the soul (the aurora) and the intimate, vulnerable reality of the body (the lingerie and tape). The arrangement suggests that the spiritual self is not contained by or defined by the physical shell but rather exists as a greater, more powerful force that shines through it. The piece invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of vulnerability and resilience and to recognise the inherent, luminous strength that exists within even the most fragile of forms. It is a deeply moving and hopeful work that captures Bernardeschi Nelson’s belief in the therapeutic power of art and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Laura Bernardeschi Nelson artworld and travels 