Sex And Horror 2: The Art Of Alessandro Biffignandi (book review).
So, here is the second ‘Sex And Horror’ book and I’m glad that Mark Alfrey in his introduction explains how to pronounce Biffignandi, its ‘biffin-YAHN-dee’. Useful to know when ever you see Alessandro Biffignandi (1935- ) in print here. His work is in the ‘sexy fumetti’ magazines where he painted covers.
I’m glad that there are translations of Italian words. I mean, would you know that ‘Biancaneve’ was Snow White’ for instance? In the 20 chapters here, a lot of ground is covered. Biffignandi used models, including himself and his wife, for some poses.
I should point out that there is nothing wrong with using models posing. It helps in so many ways in getting shadows right, folds in clothes as well as expressions. If you want a giveaway, look at the backs of the hands. Detailing veins can only come from seeing the real thing and not making them look like snakes under the skin. It’s rather interesting how Biffignandi and from book 1, Emanuele Taglietti, use a similar feathering technique in their painting for shaping on muscles. It’s almost as if they’re anticipating some of the drawbacks in the printing process.
© Korero Press 2016
What I do find interesting is how many paintings Biffignandi did not only open-mouthed but getting the tongues right. That is actually very hard to do without the tongue looking like a leaf or slug.
© Korero Press 2016
The number of American and British actors and monsters popping up might make you look up some of the reference photographs. I suppose a lot depends on what the various publishers briefed their artists they needed. Certainly, there is no denying he can paint well and highly prolific. Then again, when Biffignandi did a unique monster in ‘Wallestein Il Monstro’, it was certainly ugly-looking and the paintings of decapitated heads are probably the most horrific in the book. The ‘Zora La Vampira’ covers look like the longest run, but when you consider there were 288 issues, that’s hardly surprising.
© Korero Press 2016
Even within the confines of the subject matter, Biffignandi must have made an impact on the Italian buyers. Certainly these books are for those with an affiliation for horror but keep away from your sprogs if you don’t want to give them nightmares. This book covers a wide range of his art.
GF Willmetts
August 2023
(pub: Korero Press, 2016. 160 page illustrated large softcover. Price: £22.99 (UK), $36.95 (US), $49.95(CAN). ISBN: 978-0-9576649-0-6)
check out website: www.koreropress.com
