Blog

This autumn has been one of the most creatively intense and fulfilling periods of my career so far. I am currently preparing for two upcoming group art exhibitions in Italy: “When They See Us” in Milan and “Little Treasures” in Bologna, both opening this November. Each show represents a distinct chapter in my artistic journey and a new opportunity for growth as a contemporary artist.

The first exhibition, “When They See Us” in Milan, has been a true learning curve. For the first time, I created work on commission, responding directly to a curatorial theme that was not part of my usual visual language or areas of exploration. I wanted to honor the curator’s vision while staying true to my own artistic identity - a balance that required research, patience, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.

Developing two new pieces specifically for this show was both challenging and invigorating. The process led me into new territory, conceptually, technically, and emotionally. I spent weeks exploring ideas, experimenting with materials, and allowing unfamiliar concepts to guide me toward unexpected outcomes.

At times, the process was difficult. I had to confront my own resistance to “working to a brief.” Perhaps that reluctance stems from the fact that, in my day job as a scenographer, I already work to briefs and I’ve always seen art as the space where I can express myself without external constraints. Yet, somewhere in that discomfort, I found freedom. The act of translating another’s theme into my own language opened doors I didn’t know existed. Now, looking at the finished works, I feel a profound sense of growth not just in what I created, but in who I became while creating it. This exhibition reminded me that artistic evolution often happens when we allow ourselves to be stretched beyond what feels natural.

The second exhibition, “Little Treasures” in Bologna, curated by the ever-inspiring Paola Trevisan, feels like a joyful reunion. I was fortunate to take part in the 2024 edition, and I am thrilled to return this year.

This exhibition has a unique format, with each artist presenting a collection of small-format artworks. While the scale may be intimate, the creative challenge is anything but small. Working on a reduced surface demands precision, focus, and clarity of intent. Every mark counts! I find this limitation incredibly stimulating. Under Paola Trevisan’s thoughtful curatorial guidance, the show always becomes more than a collection of small works; it becomes a dialogue of voices united by shared passion.

As November approaches, my studio is alive with anticipation. Preparing for two exhibitions at once has reminded me that artistic growth thrives on contrast, between the conceptual rigor of “When They See Us” and the joyful experimentation of “Little Treasures.”

Both experiences affirm a truth I hold dear: art is not static. It moves, evolves, and demands that we evolve with it. And so, as I put the finishing touches on these new works, I feel immense gratitude: for the curators who challenge and inspire, for the community of artists who share the journey, and for the opportunity to continue growing through the act of creation.