"Roma, Amor" is a collection of recent works by Maximilian Gutmair, telling an epic tale. Maximilian relocated to Rome for love, drawing inspiration not only from his romantic life but also from the city's architecture, cultural heritage, and religious symbols.
The atmosphere of the Eternal City influences the symbolism crafted by the artist in this series. Birds appear frequently and are connected to male genitalia, an association derived from the Italian word "uccello," which colloquially refers to "penis." Here, birds symbolize not only masculinity but also male-dominated societal structures and patriarchal power dynamics.
Eyes are another recurring element, symbolizing the divine and often linked to Catholicism as a representation of God. In this series, they are also connected to female genitalia, emitting rays that evoke both blessings and pain. These elements are central to the visual language Gutmair uses to tell this paradoxical tale, rich with themes of sin, freedom, faith, and sexuality.