Description
In this first painting of the fifth triptych in the Beyond the Double series, Camilla and Giorgia, twelve-year-old monozygotic twins, are depicted lying on their backs, their serene faces just barely touching—separated only by a strand of hair—and their eyes lively yet gentle.
Both sisters gaze toward the viewer, conveying a sense of security and independence in their closeness, as well as remarkable maturity.
Some studies suggest that twins, especially monozygotic ones, tend to recognize themselves in the mirror later than other children, often confusing their own image with that of their twin. This delay is attributed to the social and familial context, which often emphasizes unity and the pair (or group) over the individual.
Camilla and Giorgia, however, seem to defy these theories: despite their young age, they demonstrate a strong awareness of their individual identities. Camilla, with her love for soccer, and Giorgia, passionate about dance and piano, represent two distinct personalities that support one another during a time of great changes, such as adolescence.
Through soft, flowing lines and warm, decisive colors, the artist fondly recalls the moment when, at the age of twelve, she felt the need to differentiate herself from her own twin sister—a fundamental, though painful, process for the development of her personal identity.