TO LOVE

When the essential is invisible to the eyes

The perception of beauty is subjective, especially in contemporary art, where the boundaries of beauty are constantly being explored and redefined. Beauty, in the creative field, is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes far beyond superficial aesthetics. It is not just what is “nice to look at”, but rather a profound experience that can evoke emotions, stimulate thought and even transform perception. In the world of creation, in fact, beauty can manifest itself in a sense of balance, proportion and unity, as well as the ability to surprise, to present something new and unexpected. Beauty can reside in the ability of a work to convey authentic emotions and to connect with the audience with a deeper meaning or underlying message. Beauty lies in the technical skill and elegance of an execution, even in the fluidity of a well-crafted script. In the creative context, beauty is an ongoing process of exploration, experimentation and discovery, a search for balance between form and function, between message and medium, as well as the artist’s intention with the audience. If you asked me about the style with which Antoine de Saint-Exupéry illustrated “The Little Prince“, I would tell you that his drawings are characterized by clean lines and essential, almost childlike shapes.

This simplicity is intentional and reflects the perspective of a child, who sees the world with pure and disenchanted eyes, and the importance of not losing one’s childish side. Despite their simplicity, the illustrations are extremely evocative. They do not simply represent what is described in the text, but add layers of meaning and help the reader visualize the worlds and characters of the book in a unique way. They are often full of symbolism, helping to reinforce the philosophical and moral themes of the story. You already know that the technique used is watercolor, that the colors are soft but bright, and that they help create a magical and poetic atmosphere. There are no superfluous details: each line and color guide the reader’s attention to the key elements and leaves room for imagination. The illustrations are not mere decorations, but are intertwined with the narrative. “The Little Prince” text refers to the drawings, and vice versa. Its illustrative style captures the essence of the story and its universal messages, inviting us to look with the heart and rediscover the wonder and purity of childhood.

“The essential is invisible to the eyes“ is a famous quote from that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry‘s beloved novella. It means that the most important things in life, such as love, friendship, and happiness, are not tangible or visible with our eyes. Instead, they are felt with the heart and understood through deeper perception. It’s a reminder to look beyond superficial appearances and value what really matters, both in our relationships with others and with our pets. What binds me to you forever, Daamar, my beloved four-legged friend, is an unbreakable bond of unconditional love, memories, and a profound impact on my life. You offered me pure, non-judgmental love. This form of affection from you created an indelible imprint on my heart, a sense of being deeply understood and accepted for who I am. This kind of love does not fade with your physical loss. Every walk, every game, every cuddle moment is a precious memory. These memories have accumulated over time, creating a fabric of shared experiences that have defined a significant part of my life. Even after your death, these memories continue to live within me, evoking smiles and sometimes tears, but always keeping the presence of your friendship alive. You have given me incredible emotional support.

You have comforted me in difficult times, cheered me up, and taught me the joy of small things. Your presence has helped me combat loneliness, and even improved my physical health. The positive influence you have had on my mental health and well-being is a lasting sign of your importance, Daamar. You taught me valuable lessons about loyalty, patience, living in the moment, and resilience. These lessons remain with me, shaping my perspective and behavior, even now that you are gone. When you died, the pain was excruciating. This pain is not just the physical loss, but is a measure of the deep love and attachment we felt. The void you leave is not an absence, but a constant reminder of your existence and the love you brought into my life. Your bond with me transcends life and death, for it is woven with deep emotions, meaningful experiences, and a pure love that knows no end. You will live on in my heart and in my memories, but more so in the lessons you have taught me.

A “Border Collie” is a robust breed of dog, but genetically exposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems and epilepsy. I knew that as an adult you would reach 53 cm at the withers and that you would weigh 22 kg, but also a harmonious, athletic and agile body. In 2014, when everything around me had collapsed, you came into my life with the name “Daamar“, an acronym, “da amar” in my language. Black and white, broad head, a narrowing muzzle and with lively, expressive and penetrating eyes in the middle. You had an incessant need for physical activity and mental stimulation. You knew how to please me in unthinkable ways, you were tolerant with your peers and you socialized with us humans, indifferently, with children and adults. When you were suffering from cancer, for the first time in my life, leaving for the country where lemons grow, I took your head in my hands. I kissed you on the forehead, Daamar, reassuring you that we would meet again. They tell me that your last steps were toward my bedroom, where you collapsed with your eyes open where you saw me falling asleep and waking up. You are not a jar full of ashes, far from it: you are part of myself. You see, I even dedicate “TO LOVE” to you, much more than a simple gallery of images.

The perspective of a child, who sees the world with pure and disenchanted eyes. Despite their simplicity, Dastilige Nevante’s illustrations are extremely evocative. They do not limit themselves to representing what is visible, a dog named Daamar, but add layers of meaning and help to visualize the worlds and characters of the book in a unique way. Rich in symbolism, Nevante’s images strengthen the bond that made him mature living with a border collie. The technique used is watercolor, the colors are soft but bright, and contribute to creating a magical and poetic atmosphere. There are no superfluous details: each line and color guide your attention to a key element: “to love, always and in any case”. The illustrations are not simple decorations, but are intertwined with the narration. As in the text of “The Little Prince”, the images in this gallery, which Nevante dedicates to Damaar, also represent an invitation to look with the heart and to rediscover the wonder and purity of childhood.