I am glad that the Province of Florence is hosting this exhibition: the meeting between design and the charm of divination is new to us, but certainly corresponds to that Surrealist dimension that I have always come across in Massimo Biondi's work.
I have rarely paid attention in the past to the pure and graphic representation of the drawings of the Tarot. (Except maybe for the splendid Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle, in Capalbio). What really interests and fascinates me has always been the value behind those symbols. In substance, it's not important how the 'Recluse' or the 'Sun' are represented, but how much we can attribute a meaning to them when we interrogate ourselves; or more simply when we play with them.

But Massimo Biondi leads me to observe a specific form that the artist -to whom I am also bound by a deep friendship which honors me- gives to the cards, and which unveils a new substance. Protagonists of Biondi's last fatigue are not only the Tarot, but are also the hands; in a relation that is not just equal but complemental and inseparable.

Hands are therefore protagonists of all of the works of Biondi. The many hands of the Magician, the card that I always liked the best, sustaining the table and cooperating between themselves, guarantees it's stability. Hence the significance of the card -an individual initiative which realizes itself through personal capacities- is only more evident and rich through the drawings of these hands.

Even the hand of The High Priestess –representing fertility, knowledge, loyalty, the mother, the bride, the woman, intuition, wisdom- highlights the Arcane’s willingness in helping people to find the way to Truth.
The hands do, the hands shuffle Cards to examine them as much as to play with them. Biondi represents the need of the Man to interrogate and enjoy himself –because that is what Tarots are made for in my opinion- through his hands. Can I suggest for Massimo Biondi the definition of an active Surrealist? Is it my story, my culture, that brings me to interpret him this way? Maybe. But thank you Massimo, for letting me reflect on your perceptions.

Andrea Barducci, President of Florence Province