Portrait nominee

Su Omadori is one of the most ancient figures of the Sardinian carnival of Escaraplana, part of the ritual mask known as Bois-Fui Janna Morti. Rooted in the deepest layers of Sardinian culture, this figure draws from the bull cults of the Mediterranean, intertwined with the symbolism of fertility, death, and rebirth that permeates the island's tradition.

The Omadori wears old sacks of orbace cloth and Sa Faciola, a mask carved from the hip bone of a bull. In the most archaic strands of Sardinian tradition, this object belonged to those believed capable of communicating with the afterlife. The bone itself stands as a symbol of regeneration and the continuation of life.

During the ritual, Su Omadori serves an apotropaic function: armed with Sa Soga (the rope) and Su Fuettu (the stick), the tamer restrains another mask: Su Boi; the bull that rages through the village streets as though possessed by otherworldly forces. The act of subduing the beast embodies the triumph of order over chaos, reaffirming the exorcistic power at the heart of this ancient mask.

Born in the enchanting landscapes of Sardegna, Frau Simone is an artist driven by the allure of simplicity. In the early years the magnetic pull of the visual arts was ever-present shaped by his fascination with science.
A detour from college life in Padua, where he studied physics, led Simone to Bologna, where he graduated in Directing and Scriptwriting for cinema, marking the beginning of his exploration into the world of moving images. The journey with short films, mostly animated, unfolded across the participation to a few international and national film contests.
Returning to the tranquillity of Sardegna, Simone renewed his creative flame. Photography took center stage, revealing a minimalist approach that seeks to capture powerful, intimate landscapes with the barest of elements. Despite a low profile, Simone quietly imprinted on the local art scene. Modest achievements include participation in local exhibitions and a photo series finding a place in a private collection—a humble encouragement for his artistic journey. The images he capture are not merely physical; they are emotional realms. A powerful yet intimate narrative unfolds in the quietude, inviting viewers to delve into the essence of the human experience.