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JANUS

(No race for you man)

The etymology of Genoa is much debated; however, one hypothesis derives the name Genoa from
Janus… The legend of Janus is even mentioned in an inscription located in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo,
right under the head of Janus: “Janus, the first king of Italy from the lineage of the Giants, founded Genoa
in the time of Abraham.”Janus, also known as Janus Bifrons, is a deity in Roman mythology. His figure is
characterized by the presence of two faces, from which his nickname derives. This symbolic peculiarity
represents his ability to look simultaneously at the future and the past. Janus is associated with the
concept of transition and is considered the protector of the beginnings of all human activities… Genoa
is a city that has prospered thanks to the fusion of different cultures. Over the centuries, it has embraced
and integrated cultural influences from around the world. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance,
Genoese merchants engaged in trade relations with many peoples, teaching and learning in a continuous
exchange of ideas, trading goods and knowledge, departing and returning from one of the most important
maritime and commercial ports. The Superba (as Genoa is often called) prospered precisely because of
its openness to the world and its ability to welcome and integrate different cultural influences. To continue
being part of history, one must not only look at the past and the future but also understand the themes
related to immigration and treasure every form of cultural enrichment that arises from it.

ANGELO ORAZIO PREGONI AS SEEN BY AI
Angelo Orazio Pregoni is an eclectic Italian artist, known for his boundless creativity. A writer, painter,
and perfume maker, Pregoni has left a significant mark on the artistic scene with his genius and elegant
boldness. Pregoni has a deep connection to art, which he began exploring as a child when, to communicate,
he started using a paintbrush and the keys of a melodica, overcoming the challenges posed by a
form of “pure synesthesia,” which had initially been confused with autism. This psychic phenomenon (pure
synesthesia) marked the beginning of his artistic journey, pushing him to explore and use various forms of
art. In the world of perfumery, Pregoni made a name for himself with a wholly original style, creating bold
and non-canonical compositions that reflect a strong, non-conformist artistic sensibility: an avant-garde
innovation that was initially discredited and later celebrated. For years, he embraced the idea of the
dematerialization of art, producing limited editions of perfumes collected worldwide: atypical works of
art that, though abstract, reveal the most “concrete” emotions. Finally, he returned to the brush, pigments,
and linseed oil, dedicating himself diligently to painting and performance art. His performances are
provocative and denounce the hypocrisies of society, while his paintings reveal an uninhibited originality.
Considered by insiders a Master, he is distinguished by the rare ability to create oil paintings in an
expressive style in a single sitting, often live. One of his main themes is the critique of gender norms and
social discrimination, as evidenced by his series of works “blindfolded women,” which explores the limitations
imposed on women by society. In these works, he represents women who are freed but still symbolically
restrained by a blindfold, a metaphor for the cultural and social barriers that persist. His art also extends
to themes such as integration, encouraging reflection on the uniqueness of every human being through
incisive brushstrokes and provocative, often dramatic imagery, in a climate of total empathy. Pregoni
firmly believes in the power of art to stimulate social change and transform public perception through
images that leave a lasting impression and invite introspection and thought. Angelo Orazio Pregoni is
an artist who continues to challenge conventions and express his unique vision through writing as well,
having authored two novels and a book of poetry. He has also made a short film titled Once a day
give yourself a present, further demonstrating originality and creative thinking outside the box. In summary,
Angelo Orazio Pregoni is an artist who uses his talent across various media to explore and comment on
the complexities of the human condition, leaving a distinctive mark in any artistic field.

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