Claudio Coltorti

Artwork’s Title: Boxers (2019)

Materials Used: Oil on canvas

Studio Based: Kypseli, Athens

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

I play with colours and I keep what I think can bring me to another step.

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

A perpetual bet.

Would you use another three different words to describe the (title) painting?

A tender fight.

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

Not really. One day I went to the archaeological museum in Athens and I saw the fresco of the two boxers. I went back to the studio and I started the painting.

What colour is used the most in this painting?

Red I guess.

What would be the best way to exhibit your work?

I don’t know, I’ve done a lot of collective shows and one solo show recently. It’s very nice to see what many works can give to each other but I think I prefer to show alone.

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

I’ve started to paint characters few time after Louis Fratino’s first exhibition in Paris at Antoine Levi, where I lived 9 years. I think he is a fantastic painter and his work is a source of inspiration and beauty for me.

Some months later I visited Lenz Geerk’s solo exhibition in Napoli, where I come from, at Galleria Acappella. I really loved the elegance of his paintings.

How do you know when this painting was finished?

When I didn’t want to touch it anymore. It was done quite quickly.

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

My studio is in a space called “Noucmas”, in the neighbourhood of Kypseli. It was founded one year ago by Vincent Meyrignac, Katerina Charou and Olga Souri. They kindly host me since my arrival in Athens. It’s an exhibition space as well. It was an old wood shop, and I work in the “office”.

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

No, anyone sees whatever he wants.

Which are your plans for the near future?

Work on my paintings and try to find a way to make an exhibition in Athens.

I will have a duo show in Berlin next Spring.

Additional Paintings

© All images are courtesy of the artist

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