_{Image courtesy of Giacomo Bevanati}

Interview: Giacomo Bevanati

Luca Curci talks with artist Giacomo Bevanati during RITUALS of ANIMA MUNDI festival in Venice 2017.

Giacomo Bevanati, born in 1984, is an Italian artist. Visual perception of the volumes, light, transparences, light materials, and how the eyes treat the mind with a thoughtful use of them are at the center of his art. Bachelor in Product design and a Master’s degree in Architecture provided him all the technical aspects about the use of strengths, understanding of the materials and 3D modeling. He burst into the exhibitions world with local exhibitions; showing masks and fashion wearable art. Currently, after exhibited his piece “Pot – UnContainer series” for “Tasty and Smelly” in Tate Modern, he is focus in his upcoming exhibition for the “New Artist Fair” on September 2017 at the Old Truman Brewery in London where recently has been confirmed.

_{Image courtesy of Giacomo Bevanati}

Luca Curci – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of RITUALS – ANIMA MUNDI FESTIVAL?

Giacomo Bevanati – The plague mask was used to protect the doctor from the plague’s airborne disease molecules which penetrate in the nose and make the disease to come over. The ritual to wear this mask, to protect you against the rabies, was to put different extracts from plants and powerful spices at the tip of the plague mask nose. The aim of this ritual was to purify the air coming into the nose. Doctors believed that this mix would prevent them from the death. This exhibition, in the crib of the “Plague” concept, is the best stage to show this piece. Culturally there’s nothing more iconic in Venice than the plague mask, indispensable feature for the carnival. The society is toxic and makes people to wear a fake mask to not breath the rubbish. Because of the texture of the mask, you can play the game to disclose yourself partially, showing little reminiscences of your personality at the same time that you are open to wear an unusual mask that cannot cover yourself but shows who you are. It’s a ritual of purification, a ritual of recovery from the plague.

_{Image courtesy of Giacomo Bevanati}

L. C. – What do you think about the concept of this event? In which way did inspire you?

G. B. – Coming in Venice and not to feel inspired is impossible. I am aware about the daily quotidian rituals in our contemporary daily basis: to drink a coffee or a cup of tea, to read a newspaper in your journey or to share your emotions on social media. Everyday I repeat the same Ritual using the wire for making random textures without rules. Textures full of emotions and feelings. Anima Mundi Festival gave me the solution without any doubt: the Plague’s doctor mask could be perfect.

L. C. – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?

G. B. – In my opinion it’s so hard to be stuck on an idea or theme. I really think they feed each other. Actually my art is totally contrary to that concept. I wake up everyday thinking about the piece I am doing in that moment but when I am not creating I am thinking about different actions I can do, shapes I can reproduce. Also memories can inspire me. I am based in London where the world changes in every second. All the vibes of the city inspire me to be updated and be conscious of the new trends.

_{Image courtesy of Giacomo Bevanati}

L. C. – Did your style change over the years? How?

G. B. – I believe in the changing world and in the changing moment. My artworks are the fruit of the experimentation of 3D shapes with different materials. Although I have always had clear the wire was the material to use. My first pieces were made with thicker width of wire but by itself, my art has adjusted the width of the wire to the one I am using now. As I have found it through him different ways to express myself with sculptures, installations, masks, hats, and jewelry. To study architectural and exhibition design allowed me to develop the skills to create different pieces. I started with paper, plastic, but then I met wire… A love story started when I discovered how flexible the wire was, how through the manipulation of him and the use of the directions allowed me to create 3d shapes. After I realized how important were the strengths and the force of the structure because these features have to be corrected attending to the weight, the height and the shape of each piece. Thus, the use of the material surprised me creating in my mind models that can be used for different purposes.

L. C. – Which are your artistic projects for the future? Is there any possibilities for a new participation in some Italian exhibitions?

G. B. – My next exhibition is on September, I am proud to take part of this fair in East London. I am preparing new pieces and new series to this exhibition, my first big exhibition in the big city. Although I live in London I am totally connected with my hometown and my Italian soul. Sadly art in Italy is not as well considerate as in other countries. Governmental institutions don’t promote art. They don’t leave the new generations to grow up with a good artistic education. However art has power without limits and Italy is a unique piece of art in the world. So I’m ready to embrace new participations in my country, in the hope of making a contribution to the Italian contemporary art.

_{Image courtesy of Giacomo Bevanati}

L. C. – Would you suggest cooperating with us? What do you think about It’s LIQUID Group and our services?

G. B. – It’s Liquid Group gave to me the opportunity to show my art close to one of the biggest art exhibitions in the world like “Biennale di Venezia”. To be lucky enough to be invited to participate in this Festival give you the opportunity to introduce yourself in the international artistic scenario giving professional and credibility support to your art. I feel totally happy and proud to have the chance to show my piece with this group.

L. C. – Do you think that this experience could be useful for artists and can contribute to increase personal background?

G. B. – Absolutely. Showing your piece in Venice is always a big opportunity especially in the same period of the Biennale of Art. This experience helps to introduce your art in the industry. Anima Mundi Festival is a unique showcase in the world having the beauty framework of Venice as the place to show your artistic canvas.