Interview: Francesco Pirani
Luca Curci talks with Francesco Pirani during VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2021 – 14TH EDITION, at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

Francesco Pirani was born in January 1987, in Jesi, a small town located in the Marche region. Always a sportsman, he continued working in the sports business and he is currently the owner of a Crossfit box in my city. After completing his studies at the University of Camerino, where he graduated in Fitness Science and Technology, he decided to finish his apprenticeship in the largest gym in Jesi and then open his own business. Over the years, he has become passionate about nature, especially birds, but not only. Precisely this careful eye on the small and large species that surround us, led him to discover an even greater and more complex passion, such as nature photography. After buying his first Reflex with specific optics for bird photography, he decided to participate in several courses and workshops just to refine his technique. Currently, he almost compulsively continues to take pictures every day, with his gear always with him.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Francesco Pirani – For me, art is the tangible expression of the emotions that each of us feels, it is the manifestation of inner feelings, whether with a click, with a brush, or in the form of a sculpture, whether through musical notes or thoughts. This is photography, it is art, the shot can change according to the mood as much as the mood changes looking at a shot.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
FP – I don’t have a project, my only goal is to release emotions by holding the camera in my hand and pointing to the viewfinder. The more emotions I pull out, the more shots come out.

LC – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration in yourself?
FP – When I go out to shoot I immediately understand if I am inspired or not, my emotionality leads me to this, obviously a sunset or a sunrise already arouse emotions, but if you are not inspired, similar shots are also flat, the emotion is a source of inspiration, it’s like a chain where everything starts from there.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
FP – In the early years, as a beginner, my photos were practically typical “documentary photos”, a large number of shots documenting the species surrounding the hills on which we live. Over time, following great artists and studying, I realized that we need to connect a certain degree of emotionality and empathy to the subjects that are shown. This is what I have tried to do.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
FP – To be honest, this being my second experience in the world of large exhibitions, I did not expect such a large amount of types of art within the Itsliquid movement. It is truly 360 ° and therefore being part of it is truly an honor.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
FP – My two shots at the exhibition are two specific visions of those typical landscapes that define our rural and melancholic region. Two abandoned farmhouses are located in the most classic green and soft hills of the Marche. Both show a mix of soft lines, minimal cuts due to intense agriculture, strong contrasting colors that vary according to the seasons, which remind us of our ancestors and their lives immersed in the countryside.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
FP – Itsliquid was a surprise! After the call, I started following their events, their organization, their stands around various countries. I think it is a really wide and complete platform from every point of view, very well organized with an excellent team that pours passion into their work.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
FP – Obviously it is a great opportunity for every artist to expand their network, make themselves known and get to know each other, but it is also simply a big prize to those who, like me, do not work with art but live by it.