AN ARTISTIC FUSION

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE AND THE INFLUENCES THAT INFORM IT? HOW HAVE YOU INCORPORATED BOTH EASTERN AND WESTERN ARTISTIC TRADITIONS INTO YOUR WORK?

My artistic style is heavily influenced by ancient and traditional decorative forms, which I reinterpret in a contemporary manner through two key elements: concept and technique. By employing mixed techniques and acrylic medium, I create unique and unconventional decorations. Up close, they may appear imprecise, but when viewed from a distance, they exhibit a sense of perfection. This deliberate ambiguity and fragmented geometry form the essence of my artistic expression. If everything were flawlessly precise and predictable, it would lack the ability to evoke excitement. The concept behind my work involves exploring the sacred in a renewed context. A prominent example of my artistic philosophy is reflected in my piece titled “Believers at Mecca.” From afar, one can discern geometric patterns reminiscent of the spiritual dimensions described by Kandinsky. However, upon closer inspection, the painting reveals hundreds of individuals, each conveying the painting’s core message: the interconnectedness of community, rhythm, and prayer.

YOUR HOMETOWN IS VENICE, KNOWN FOR BEING CONNECTED TO THE WHOLE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE MIDDLE EAST THROUGH ISTANBUL, THE ANCIENT BYZANTIUM. HOW HAS THIS INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?

Being born in Venice, a city historically connected to the Mediterranean and the Middle East through Istanbul (formerly Byzantium), has had a profound influence on my artistic work. Venice itself has a rich history of cultural exchange with both the Near and Far East, and growing up in this vibrant environment has nurtured my penchant for oriental-inspired decorations and motifs. I have always been drawn to the Middle East, and my travels to the region have enchanted me with the allure of the unknown concealed within desert sands and veils, not only those worn by Middle Eastern women but also the veils, costumes, embroideries on fabrics, and architectural marvels found throughout. Later, my studies of the Middle East led me to fall in love with a cosmopolitan city that resonates deeply with my artistic sensibilities-Istanbul, the ancient Byzantium. I cyclically and abstractly represent this city in my artworks, bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern, the East and the West.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR ART CLOSE TO ITALIAN CERAMICS, AND MAJOLICA IN PARTICULAR, SO DISTINCTIVE AND INFLUENTIAL IN THE ART WORLD?

In order to meet the logistical demands of my frequent international exhibitions, I often create artworks in the form of 30 by 30-centimeter squares, reminiscent of tiles commonly produced in ceramic or porcelain in various parts of the world. Additionally, the use of enamels in my work often imparts a shiny and uniform quality to the canvas, further evoking the aesthetic of ceramic tiles. However, it is important to note that the influence of Italian ceramics, and specifically majolica, extends far beyond mere resemblance in my art. In Italy, the Renaissance master Raphael played a pivotal role in the study and advancement of ceramics. While primarily renowned as a painter, it may not be widely known that Raphael’s works, characterized by their beauty and grace, served as a significant source of inspiration for ceramic art. This influence can be observed not only in Raphael’s own creations but also in the works of his esteemed mentor, Perugino. The region of Umbria, in particular, has emerged as a significant hub for ceramic art, showcasing a rich tradition that continues to thrive.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR WORK? DO YOU HAVE A THEME, A PARTICULAR MESSAGE THAT YOU INTEND TO CONVEY?

Through my artwork, I aspire for viewers to embrace a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Islamic world, prayer, and Ottoman decorations. I explore these themes with a distinct interpretation, incorporating the two-dimensional rhythms reminiscent of Byzantine painting. My works feature textured backgrounds in relief, evoking the imagery of mosaics, enamels, ceramic decorations, and carpets. In essence, my art serves as a symbolic and timeless testament to the potential harmony that can emerge from the fusion of diverse cultures and traditions. It conveys a message of peace and unity, acting as a small artistic ambassador that endeavors to construct bridges between the East and West. I hope to inspire a sense of connection and mutual understanding among people and cultures, fostering a shared appreciation for our collective heritage.

WHO ARE SOME ARTISTS OR CREATIVES THAT YOU ADMIRE OR DRAW INSPIRATION FROM? HOW HAVE THEY INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?

There are several artists and creatives whom I admire and draw inspiration from in my artistic journey. Initially, I was captivated by the masterpieces of the Orientalist painters, who skillfully depicted scenes and landscapes from the East. Their works ignited my fascination for the rich cultural tapestry of the Orient and its visual expressions. In addition, the Italian artist Aldo Mondino played a significant role in influencing my artistic development. His works dedicated to North Africa and the ceremonial aspects of the Sufis resonated deeply with me.

FINALLY, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR EXHIBITIONS THAT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT?

These next few years are proving to be quite promising for my artistic career. Firstly, I am thrilled to announce that I will soon be showcasing my exhibition “The Horse’s Move” in Sarajevo. This exhibition was previously presented in Siena last July at the Santa Maria della Scala Museum and will now be hosted at the National Gallery. The event is organized by the Italian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is curated by Beste Gursu. Additionally, in July, I have another exhibition scheduled in Nigeria. This exhibition, also organized by the Italian Embassy and curated by Beste Gursu, will be centered around equines with riders and is titled “The Colors of Noble Cultures.” I also have upcoming exhibitions in Trento, Italy, Rovereto, Romania, Izmir, Ankara, and many more exciting locations.

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