"Roma, Amor" is a collection of recent works by Maximilian Gutmair, unfolding an epic narrative. Having relocated to Rome for love, Maximilian draws inspiration not only from his romantic life but also from the city's architecture, cultural heritage, and religious symbolism. The atmosphere of the Eternal City deeply influences the visual language of this series.
Birds frequently appear as a motif, symbolically linked to masculinity through the Italian word uccello, a colloquial term for "penis." In Gutmair's work, they represent not only male identity but also the structures of patriarchy and societal dominance.
Eyes are another recurring element, evoking the divine and often associated with Catholicism as a symbol of God. In this series, they are also connected to female genitalia, radiating light that conveys both blessing and pain. These symbolic contrasts lie at the heart of Gutmair’s paradoxical tale, rich with themes of sin, freedom, faith, and sexuality.
