James Frazer’s 1890 work “The Golden Bough. A Study in Magic and Religion” is a direct source of inspiration for Maestro Ontani and referred to explicitly in this piece of art. The book by the Scottish anthropologist is a comparative study of primitive cultures through the lens of the evolution of history. In Ontani’s work, the emphasis is on the origins of habits, customs, rites, ancestral ceremonies, religious and magical practices, superstitions, and myths, from ancient times.
For his work, Ontani chose a very special type of paper made in Germany that was ideal for watercolours and India ink. The artist’s goal is to unite various cults syncretically, creating harmony between different cultures.
