Don’t Go Away, 2026

Don’t Go Away, 2026
Oil on canvas

This series of paintings continues Patrizio di Massimo’s exploration of the ladybird as a protective amulet—an emblem of luck, care, and intimacy that has appeared recurrently in his smaller works since 2024.

In the three paintings, the insect moves over a series of human hands forming different gestures. Considered individually, these movements might appear as simple attempts to guide or redirect the ladybird; together, however, the paintings unfold as a quiet choreography shaped by attentiveness, restraint, and mutual proximity.

Focusing closely on gesture and touch, di Massimo transforms small interactions into psychologically charged scenes suspended between tenderness, awkwardness, play, and ritual.

Photo by Eleonora Agostini.