Alessio Guano

Artwork’s Title: Waving lifes

Materials Used: Ink, acrylic paint, enamel and collage on cardboard

Studio Based: La Spezia, Italy

Art Verge

Can you tell us about the process of making your work?

My creative process is based mainly on two or three phases. I usually collect several kinds of material like newspaper, magazines and photographs during my travels and walking around in my city’s roads. That materials are part of my process, because I work on them to create layers and supports for my oeuvre.

I also collect old books where I can find words, phrases or stories that could be interesting for my creative process. When I am in my studio, in front a cup of tea, I work as much as possible on different works at the same time. I start with more than one idea to keep safe on the sheet with colours and black pencils, than I go on with the works step by step because each work needs to “breathe” until the paint layers are ready to next step. I think that a good work needs to “decant”, as a good wine. It must be ready to receive a new pictorial layer. Sometimes the gestures and the impetus take over and the first born idea is lost in an expanding ground, full of images that refresh my mind with a satisfying promise.

How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?

It is not easy to define it in few words. Passion, randomness and a lot of research. A balanced recipe, at least I hope so.

Would you use another three different words to describe this particular painting?

Imaginary, wide and timeless world.

How did you come up with this painting idea? Is there any story behind this painting?

There is no stories behind it. I often read poetry during my days in the studio, I love buying old books at the flea market. I believe this work is the fruit of a more or less careful reading of one of these books.

I think the work itself can tell us one. The title Waving lifes can help us to find it. This painting is part of a recent collection of works in black and white.  I often work on different kind of techniques because, in this way, I can’t be bored! I think this is an introspective wide space, an imaginary deep and borderless world.

What colour is used the most in this painting?

I often like to work with more techniques and colors for the same work, as I told you. But sometimes you need to follow a less colorful road. This is the case with Waving lifes. The colors of this work are the shades of gray. I used very few colors in this work. Black inks – two different kinds – acrylic paint and dirt. In the upper part of the picture you can also see some spots of color. In reality the texture is made with fingerprints that I deliberately made with inks. This is a further sign of the personalization of the work, of the inner world that represents my work.

What would be the best way to exhibit your work?

I think the best way is to create an exhibition in an unusual space. It would be more exciting than a visit to a gallery. In recent years I have already done similar events. Unexpected Landscapes was one of them.

Of course, a nice art gallery close to the centre of the city would be appreciated too!

Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?

In a recent interview for a gallery in London, I replied that the artist who most impressed me was Marcel Duchamp. And I can only confirm it. I would also say other names such as C.Y. Twombly, Juan Mirò, Julian Schnabel, David Hockney, Man Ray, Oscar Murillo… but there are so many contemporaries who inspire me too!

How do you know when this painting was finished?

I can feel it, sometime is clearly to me, sometimes not. But I can find it anytime. It’s not easy to explain it, but the hand stops at that moment. It is curious. I think it is important to balance shapes, color and light too. This work was born well for me.

What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?

My studio is currently a room in my apartment. It’s not very big, but it has good lighting and this makes it perfect for the work I do. I hope soon to find a bigger space because I plan to make much bigger works and I wouldn’t be able to work here.

Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this painting?

I think the title speaks for itself.

What does your mum think about your art?

She is convinced that contemporary art is too difficult to understand.

Which exhibition did you visit last?

I often visit exhibition spaces in the city where I live. The last excited exhibition I visited  was in Milan at  Fondazione Prada. The space offers opportunities to see really interesting and always innovative works. Atlas is a permanent exhibition that collects works by Carla Accardi and Jeff Koons, Walter De Maria, Mona Hatoum, Edward Kienholz, Nancy Reddin Kienholz, Michael Heizer e Pino Pascali, William N. Copley e Damien Hirst, John Baldessari e Carsten Höller… Amazing!

Which are your plans for the near future?

I have several artistic projects in mind. I’m carrying out the #DIALOGS2019 project, a one-to-one exchange project and interviews with artists from all over the world. I am working on a solo exhibition in an open space. I am going to find a smart place! Looking for new collaborations with art galleries and other fantastic artists around the globe!

Additional Works

https://www.instagram.com/alessio_guano/

© All images are courtesy of the artist