Commedia is the result of a recent collaboration between Throwaway and Australian comedian, Mark Samual Bonanno.
This piece uses traditional styling and references Italy's Commedia Dell'arte to explore cultural identity in modern Australia.
In presenting Mark as the classic stock character, Arlecchino, this portrait delves into Mark’s heritage as a second-generation Italian-Australian, his professional life as a comedian, and the way this dynamic presents itself in his humour. Mark was a delightful and thought-provoking subject who truly wore his heart on his (frilled) sleeve for this collaboration.
Mark and Throwaway met for sittings between lockdowns in mid-2021. While housebound, the artist was able to capture a greater level of detail in the geometry and intricate shadows of the subject’s costume.
This artwork is currently available at Bluethumb's Melbourne Gallery in Richmond.