IS2 003 Alan Mazzetti 02 Alan Mazzetti

The composition presents a layered assemblage dominated by a vibrant red electric guitar. The instrument is centrally positioned and occupies a significant portion of the visual field, its glossy surface reflecting light in a way that suggests both energy and artificiality. A pair of hands, clad in what appears to be formal attire – white shirts with rolled-up sleeves – are shown gripping the neck and body of the guitar, conveying an impression of focused intensity and control.
To the left, a grayscale portrait is partially visible; it depicts a figure in casual clothing, seemingly captured mid-stride. The image is cropped and fragmented, suggesting a fleeting moment or a sense of detachment from the central action. This juxtaposition creates a contrast between the performative nature of the guitar playing and an implied everyday existence.
The right side of the work features a vertical arrangement of cut-out letters spelling ROCKSTAR. These are presented in a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors – some outlined with black, others with white or colored borders – which contributes to a sense of visual dynamism and fragmentation. The lettering isnt neatly aligned; it appears deliberately scattered, as if torn from various sources and hastily assembled.
The background is composed of overlapping planes of color – blues, purples, and greens – creating a textured surface that further complicates the reading of the image. These colors are not blended smoothly but rather appear in blocks or patches, reinforcing the overall sense of collage and deconstruction. The use of photographic elements alongside painted areas suggests an exploration of media boundaries and the construction of identity through visual representation.
Subtly, theres a commentary on the commodification of music and celebrity culture. The formal attire worn by the hands contrasts with the casual dress of the figure in the portrait, hinting at the performance aspect inherent in achieving rockstar status. The fragmented nature of the image – the cropped portrait, the scattered lettering – suggests a questioning of authenticity and the constructed nature of fame. It’s an exploration of how identity is manufactured and presented within the context of popular culture.