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What inspired you to create art and become an artist?
I have always been drawn to visuals, and early on, I knew I wanted to communicate through art. Growing up, I was fascinated by how simple, often overlooked things like an old wall or flaking paint could tell a story. These experiences helped me realize that art was my way of expressing emotion and capturing moments.
What is your artistic background, and what techniques and subjects have you experimented with so far?
I hold a BA in Fine Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna and an MA from the Academy of Fine Arts Brera in Milan. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various techniques, mainly in the field of abstract painting. I also have a background in multimedia, which has allowed me to explore video work and VFX compositing. My work often focuses on abstract forms, bold colours, and textures, drawing from diverse sources of inspiration such as music, cinema, and nature.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
- Randomness and texture: I take inspiration from the randomness found in nature, whether it's the peeling of paint or the natural decay of materials and integrate that into my work.
- Colour theory: My use of bold and contrasting colours is something that defines my paintings. I carefully balance these colours to evoke emotional responses from the viewer.
- Expressive process: When I work, I prioritize expressing myself fully on the canvas. My creative process is highly intuitive, where I allow my emotions and impulses to guide the flow of each piece. This expressive freedom ensures that every artwork reflects not only my vision but also the energy and emotion I feel while creating it.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration is all around me. I find it in nature, in the texture of an old wall, or in the colours of a sunset. I also draw from cinema and photography, where specific colour schemes or visual effects catch my eye. Music plays a significant role too, often helping me enter a creative flow when I'm in the studio.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations, or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I aim to evoke a sense of movement and energy in my work. My goal is for the viewer to feel an emotional connection through the interplay of texture and colour. I want the art to communicate something personal yet universal, where viewers can project their own emotions onto the abstract forms.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process?
My process is more spontaneous than planned. Often, I see something during a walk or in a film that strikes me, and I take that idea to the canvas. I experiment a lot, which means each work is a product of both planned and spontaneous creativity.
Do you use a particular work technique? If so, can you explain it?
I often work with large canvases, but what truly defines my technique is the use of unconventional tools. Alongside traditional brushes, I frequently incorporate objects like wooden bars and other unexpected materials to create unique textures. This allows me to replicate the randomness found in nature and add depth and complexity to the work in a more controlled manner on the canvas.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
I’m very interested in incorporating new technologies into my art. For instance, I’ve been exploring the potential of NFTs and AI to expand my artistic expression, though I’m still in the experimental phase with these mediums.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? If yes, why?
Yes, I feel most comfortable working with large canvases. They allow me the freedom to express my ideas fully, particularly when experimenting with something new.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop, or in your own workshop?
I work in a large studio that is also part of my flat, where I live with my family. It’s a spacious, converted warehouse in London, which provides an ideal environment for creating my art. The size of the space allows me to work on large canvases and experiment with different techniques while also being part of my home. The combination of living and working in the same space offers both convenience and the ability to immerse myself in the creative process whenever I feel like it.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions?
While I prefer working online and showcasing my art through digital platforms, which allows me to reach a global audience more easily, I do occasionally travel for exhibitions and to meet colleagues. Engaging with collectors and curators in person is always rewarding and offers a different kind of inspiration.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
I am constantly experimenting, so the evolution of my work is always unpredictable. I imagine my work will continue to change as I integrate new ideas. I’m not sure where it will lead, but that’s part of the excitement.
What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artistic production?
Entropy, energy, expression.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
One of my most important exhibitions was at the Venice Art Biennale 2022 - Personal Structure.
It was a great opportunity to present my work on such a prestigious international stage, allowing me to connect with a global audience.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose?
Fountain by Marcel Duchamp
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I would probably invite Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. I’d love to hear him talk about his life, his unique approach to painting, and the dramatic use of light and shadow in his work.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli 
