What inspired you to create artwork and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
It was after years in the field of training that I decided to devote myself full time to my passion, photography and the fine arts.
In my youth, I attended the fine arts school in Marseille with a photography option. And I wanted to regain the creative breath that animated me then.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with to date?
My journey is quite simple: the portrait
first that of my loved ones then of the Afro-descendant community that I had around me. I used wax inlay backgrounds and motifs from the African tradition to insert into my portraits.
But very quickly my Western classical culture pushed me to highlight imaginary characters or those very inspired by the black nobility in Europe from the Renaissance to the end of the 18th century.
I wanted to provoke a total break between the stereotypes linked to black men and women by revealing parts of our forgotten history which allow a very different vision and representation of black men and women.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
- pictorial activism in the choice of subject.
-an influence and admiration of painting from the Renaissance era.
- use of digital art and composite art which is gradually replacing photography.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Classic painting from the Renaissance era which for me evokes beauty, excellence, aesthetics in harmony with nature. The masters of the High Renaissance reached an achievement in their techniques and a universal accomplishment. They had achieved perfection in the representation of the human body and in the mastery of the art of perspective and in the harmony of colors like what nature inspired them.
It is also the beginning of a new society which is that of the bourgeoisie; artists now paint portraits of great nobles, who want to show the prestige of their rank by commissioning talented painters. Thus the art of portraiture (ritratto) developed ref/Wikkiart.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
The return of beauty!! The classic period of the Renaissance means for me beauty, magnificence, power. Unlike Art, pathos, destructuring, degrading and the illustration of an avalanche of emotions which translates in my opinion another humanity, without self-control.
Which I grant you is completely against the grain in our time where sensations predominate over reality!!
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technique, inspiration from art classics or other)?
I try to explain it on a video on my insta; The advent of AI made me wonder. I am not an AI although the process seems the same, an idea a vision and like doctor FRANKEISTEIN I draw from a personal database to recover pieces of body, elements or matter which I assemble and harmonize the work can last days and weeks...
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
The innovative aspect is the diversity of elements and techniques, drawing, digital painting, collage, assembly, inlay etc. I allow myself everything and I recognize myself in composite art: This gives the opportunity for original and rich storytelling and encourages the viewer to look deeper into the artwork.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
I therefore work on a computer and the printing of my works is done in large high definition on Hahnemühle fine art professional printing exclusively, which allows me a so-called artistic rendering, closer to the classic painting effect.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
My last two works are an evocation of Adam and Eve, the descent of Adam and Eve into what could be the garden of Eden.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
I was able to develop my concept for my series on “Afro European classicism” during the symposium of the Museum of University of Kentucky during
the exhibition “TEXTURES the history of the art of black hair (Oct 2021 August 2022)
I developed there during this symposium: my concept of “Afro European classicism” which is
a rewriting and a claim of what could be the
reality of our common history!!!
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose?
Portrait of Maria Salvati with Guilia de Medici by the artist PONTORMO, Italian painter of the Florentine school of the 16th Mannerist movement. An enigmatic portrait, the features and clothes of the characters raise questions and reflect a story that is more complex than it seems.
If you could invite any famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
Who was Michelangelo really? Where did his genius come from?, What is the hidden message?? ?
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
