Last man happy with pets in space

As the artist collective FronteAcciaioCromato (FAC), we view art as a space where human emotions, social dynamics, and existential questions can be made visible in ways that words often cannot.
Our series “Cruxials” arose from the need to explore the centrality of symbolism and existence in an increasingly technological and alienated world. The work “Last.man.happy.with.pets.in.space.” is one of the key reflections within this series, addressing questions of isolation, community, and the role of the individual in the tension between progress, spirituality, and loneliness.

The “Cruxials” series is based on the symbolic power of the cross as a carrier and metaphor. The cross is a universal symbol with varied meanings across cultures and religions: it represents sacrifice, redemption, hope, and the connection between humanity and transcendence. For us at FAC, it also signifies humanity’s tension between the here and the beyond, between progress and fragility, between connection and separation.

Through the combination of anthropomorphic figures and animal companions on these cross forms, we create a stage that dramatizes the experience of modern life. It reflects on humanity and its indispensable relationships that sustain life amidst isolation and technological acceleration.

This work depicts an astronaut, the ultimate archetype of the isolated explorer, far removed from Earth, origin, and humanity. Yet, he is not alone: beside him are a dog and a cat, the cat Bastet and the dog Spock. These animals, which have played incomparable roles as companions throughout human history, symbolize unconditional loyalty and comfort, especially in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and machines.

The choice of the astronaut as the central figure is deliberate. The astronaut represents modern human ambition: the pursuit of knowledge, expansion, and the conquest of the unknown. He represents us. Yet, this pursuit comes at a cost. It demands solitude, detachment from Earth, from friends, nature, and often from oneself. The astronaut’s golden helmet reflects an image of Earth, a symbol of what he has left behind and what he may long for: a simple life, basic needs, health. love.

The animals, on the other hand, act as a counterbalance. They embody closeness, connection, and home. They bring an emotional depth to the work that highlights the contrast between humanity and machinery, between coldness and warmth, between progress and loss. They do not betray us; they do not disappoint us.

In the Cruxials series, the cross is not merely a background. It serves as a bearer of meaning and a reminder of pain. In Christian tradition, the cross is often associated with sacrifice and redemption. At FAC, we use the cross to also highlight the burden and fragility of human existence. The astronaut, the dog, and the cat are not just figures; they are “affixed” to this universal structure, which carries the duality of progress and suffering.

The cross also underscores the intersections of past, present, and future. It serves as a reminder that every decision, no matter how technocratic or futuristic, rests on the foundations of humanity and history.

The sculptures are intentionally rough, patinated, and full of imperfections. This is no accident. For us, this aesthetic symbolizes the imperfection of humanity in a world demanding perfection and efficiency. The golden surface of the helmet and the animals’ accessories (such as the cat’s collar) create a contrast with the rawness of the figures, raising questions about value, symbolism, and function.

The animals are portrayed vividly, with details that emphasize their personality and significance. Spock is playful and loyal, Bastet independent but alert. Both animals remind us that simple, authentic relationships are often the only constants in a life marked by change and progress, especially when they are absent.

Our Message

With “Last.man.happy.with.pets.in.space.” we invite viewers to reflect on the existential tension that defines modern humanity. In a world increasingly distanced from Earth, dominated by technology, and where isolation becomes the price of progress, simple connections, with our pets, our history, our symbols, remain the anchors that keep us human.

At FAC, we believe art should not only pose questions but also provide comfort. This work is our attempt to acknowledge the complexity of life while celebrating the beauty of simplicity. It is a tribute to the “last man” and his companions, to the hope that even in the deepest isolation, the smallest connections can hold profound meaning.

PER ASPERA AD ASTRA

Through hardships to the stars

Carrara 2023

https://fronteacciaiocromato.art/last-man-happy-with-pets-in-space/