In Pictures: Italian Artist Giovanna Caruso's Solo Travels Across Asia

The Consulate of Italy in Kolkata hosted a cocktail reception on January 7 for the inauguration of Italian painter Giovanna Caruso’s art exhibition. Giovanna, who first came to Kolkata in 1983, was a teacher before she decided to travel and take up painting full-time. The work of the nomadic artist, as she calls herself, is reflective of Asia, featuring people she has met, and her own life experiences.

Caruso’s journey as a solo woman travelling across Asia is remarkable. Her experiences captured her
travels across Asia, like her painting walls of temples, much like frescoes. Her transition from teaching to painting,
sparked by her experiences in India and Nepal, has led to a rich tapestry of art that reflects the vibrant and diverse
cultures she encountered.

Her deep fascination with the goddesses of the Hindu-Buddhist pantheon and her ability to seamlessly intertwine these mythical figures with her understanding of feminine power is profoundly captivating. She masterfully encapsulates the diverse facets of this power: the fierce strength of Durga as she slays the demon Mahishasura, the boundless generosity of Lakshmi whose hands shower gold, the creative grace of Saraswati, and the nurturing compassion of Kwan Yin, the Chinese goddess of healing.

Through her art, she beautifully unites these divine archetypes, presenting them as distinct yet interconnected expressions of the unique feminine essence and its extraordinary gifts. Her ability to blend the Indian crows with Venetian ravens showcases the harmonious merging of cultural influences that have shaped her life and are vividly reflected in her work.

“My first visit to India and Nepal was meant to be just a holiday—a pause between the end of my teaching career and the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to painting,” recalls artist Giovanna Caruso. This transformative journey inspired her to create a poster for Firpo's event, a historic gastronomic extravaganza, which served as a stunning tribute to the cultural and historical richness of Calcutta. 

Capturing the spirit of such an iconic venue and its eclectic patrons—ranging from socialites like Maharani Gayatri Devi to actress Merle Oberon, all under the discerning eye of legendary restaurateur Angelo Firpo—was undoubtedly a thrilling artistic challenge.

Giovanna’s story beautifully illustrates how travel can unexpectedly ignite creativity, urging us to immerse ourselves in new cultures and discover fresh perspectives.

All images are provided by the author.