Page 79 - Winter Issue

How has living in Sicily shaped your artistic style and choice of symbolism? Are there specific aspects of
the region that inspire you creatively?
Surely living in Sicily, thanks to its human and artistic story, due to developed my expressive world and
contributed to the use more brighter tones, especially in my most recent artworks. In my works, I've got
inspiration also from the symbolism of Neolithic Matriarchal cultures present in the Mediterranean territories and
connected to the Mother Goddesses cults, represented as frogs, doe, pigs, snakes, eagles, and many more
creatures. The most known symbol of Sicilian mythology is Medusa, the personification of the woman-monster
with the power to petrify everyone who looks at her eyes. She's, in reality, the representation of the independent
woman with the power to give life; this power terrorizes the man who tries to exorcise this fear. Medusa has a
head full of snakes, surely a reference to the ancient cults of the Goddess Mother in Ancient Europe. In the
Neolithic period, snakes were a symbol of regeneration due to their capacity to change skin.
With your works exhibited and published internationally, how do you feel viewers from different cultures
interpret your symbolic use of animals and insects?
I hope that nobody’s feeling offended due to some subjects that are represented in my works. Usually who see
these pictures appreciate this imaginary figurative world and I hope that through them can be more curious and
comprehend especially for the animal world.
What new subjects or themes are you interested in exploring in the future, and do you foresee any shifts
in your approach or technique?
My art research will keep going for sure and it will be dedicated to the hybrid animals and the elephants. I want to
evolve it. I want to keep taking inspiration from outsider art, especially the ones connected to my territory. Finally,
besides painting and drawing, I would to experiment also other art approaches such as sensory and more participative
by the public through art forms such as artists’ books or sticker’s art.

The dinoplant - Markers,watercolors and bic pens on paper, 25x35cm, 2024

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