Local Artist Interview: Giulio Monciatti
Written by Maria Sauda
Introduction
I was out for a walk with my mom in Genova last month when we walked by an art show that had free entry, we didn't see the name or theme of it, so we went in and started looking at the paintings to see what it was about.
The first painting I saw really struck me, I looked at it for a while thinking "This is what a memory looks like in your mind's eye..." and then when I turned around I saw the name of the art gallery, "Memories"!
If you scan the QR code above you can read more about the theme of the exhibition.
I loved all the paintings at this show and the theme, I sent an email to the gallery asking to interview all 3 featured artists Rebecca Garofalo, Alice Merani, and Giulio Monciatti, however only Giulio replied, I asked him some questions about his works and life as an artist. Thank you Giulio for participating! I hope you all enjoy!
About the Exhibition
Q: I brought home the paper explaining the show and the artistic process so I could write out my questions, it says that you used your own personal photos as inspiration for these paintings. Were the original images from your own family memories?
A: Yes, they all come from photo albums I found home, at my parents house. Indeed the people depicted are family members or me.
Q: I understand that your paintings are meant to capture the past, while also showing how remembering a memory can alter it. Details can be blurry and changed by present emotions. During the painting process, did you try to illustrate the images by remembering the moment in which it was taken, while adding the emotions you have attached to that image?
A: I can't remember any of those moments represented in the pictures (and in the portraits). I was too little or I wasn't even born. So, actually, these are not proper memories: they are all modifications of them, thoughts about them. While painting, I didn't have a program to follow: it all came out from the colours.
Q: Are the memories that you chose to paint random, or do they follow an autobiographical thread for you?
A: I don't know about it. I choose the picture that talks to me. I look for perspectives and balance in the pictures.
Q: Out of the three paintings you sent me, is there one you feel attached to more, and why?
A: I'd say La marcia. There are all my granparents in the picture and it represents the costruction of my parents house.
Q: What or who inspired you to make this series of paintings?
A: I can say it is San Marcellino itself and my teacher who told me about the exhibition. I wanted to make something new (and actually very old).
Q: When people have come in to see your work, did anyone give you an interpretation that stood out to you? Did anyone interpret them in a way that was completely different to your own?
It's hard to say. It surely happened that people interpreted the paintings in a different way from the picture. And I expected that, since everything got blurry and uncertain from the picture to the painting. There were some interpretations that stood out to me because they were very accurate about the paintings and about myself; interpretations that I can't write about since I can only remember the feeling of them.
About the Art
Q: This first painting is the most difficult for me to interpret personally, do you mind explaining it more? Does it depict a specific moment in your life?
A: As I said before, those are my granparents visiting my parents house being built. But I don't think it is necessary to know. I prefer when people find their own interpretation. It's just a march...
Q: This second one looks like a family photo taken after a soccer game, I love the old cars in the background and it seems like it was during sunset. What’s the story behind this one?
A: I guess I took the picture, since I am the only one of my family who isn't in the photo. It was a place close to home, a great park where the wood rests, and so did we. We lied on stones, had lunch and played.
Q: The third painting really stands out to me, I love the contrast of the shadows from the trees around the boy. It seems like he’s walking around a forest, would you like to share more about it?
A: Here, also, I think that what the colours say should be enough. I couldn't add more either.
Process
Q: How long did it take for you to make each painting?
A: Each of the first two paintings took a week of work, approximately. Actually it was a month of discontinuous work. The last one about three days (I was late and I brought it wet to the gallery).
Q: When you started making them did you plan them out with a sketch, or did you just work instinctively?
A: Yes, I drew a few sketches, they also were shown in the exhibition. I can send you the pictures. To be fair, they are very different from the painting; they helped me define some shapes.
Sketches of the paintings
Q: I know some of your paintings were made with oil paints, graphite, and others are mixed-media. What are these three paintings made with? Do you prefer any particular medium (oil, graphite, acrylics), and why?
A: These three are all oil paintings. I like oil because it allows you to erase easily, even quite old brushstrokes. I am now experimenting more with acrylic, I love its vivid colours. We'll see.
Q: Did you work on these paintings when you were feeling a particular emotion, in order to reflect that in the paintings? Or was the emotion something you thought of rather than experienced at the moment?
A: When I paint I get in a particulare state of mind where I express myself, and think, in a different way. It starts a silent dialogue, mostly unconscious, where I know nothing about me.
Your Art Journey
Q: How did your journey as an artist begin?
A: I wouldn't call myself an artist. I've just started painting in the Academy. This is my third year painting.
Q: The art world can be very difficult to break into, what made you decide to pursue art?
A: I haven't decided yet. I think I will need a job that has nothing to do with art but that lets me continue painting. Then we will see. Good things will come if I allow it to myself.
< - Ennio Morlotti
Q: Who are your favorite artists? It doesn't have to just be illustrators, other creative people (musicians, writers, photographers) can definitely influence paintings too
A: Bacon, Sutherland, Morandi, Hockney, Hopper, Manet and Courbet, Jorn, Olitski, Morlotti... As for the musicians, I love Leo Ferre', de Andre', Piero Ciampi, Ivan Graziani, jazz and fusion. I love many comic books and movies but this list would get too long.
Q: Do you have other hobbies you like to do when you need a break from painting?
A: I do parkour, I love moving in general, hiking, climbing and stuff. Reading? A bit too obvious. I can't recall any weird hobbies, I could start a new one just to answer this kind of questions.
Closing Remarks
Q: Where can people find more of your art?
A: Unfortunately, nowhere. I don't upload any work on my Instagram (maybe I should). I wanted to create a website but I didn't yet.
Q: Are you working on any new projects?
A: I have just finished an installation, all about comunication and games, and I want to continue these paintings, though more about landscape and green.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with me! I can't wait to interview more artists that I encounter when I'm out exploring :)