This playful work was created using an image from the archives of Barilla, the seminal pasta manufacturer in Italy. Drawing upon a number of visual influences, the piece captures Julian Schnabel’s long term fascination with the cultural richness of Italy, including the importance of its cuisine. The tongue-in-cheek slogan reads “Di che pasta sei fatto”, or “Of which pasta are you made”, an affectionate, humorous commentary on the centrality of pasta within Italian cuisine. This phrase is a take on an informal adage that translates to “What are you made of?”, considering the measure of a person, jokingly revised here by Schnabel.

The background image appears to capture a shopfront, onto which Schnabel has layered an energetic splash of pasta-yellow oil paint. The saturated red, and bright white strokes contrast with the layers below, graphical in their conception. The overall effect appears reminiscent of vintage advertising, with which Barilla have a strong connection. One may also draw a connection with Schnabel’s experience working in cinema, with the background exhibiting a filmic quality.

As with many of Schnabel’s works, this image is a reflection on history, layering found imagery with confident mark making, and a bold saturated palette. The result in dramatic image, that reignites the image on which it is painted, with its deep sepia tones. The work is executed with a graphic strength derived from years of painterly experience.