Interview: Luca De Martino
Luca Curci talks with Luca De Martino during FRAGMENTED IDENTITIES, second appointment of BORDERS Art Fair 2020 at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

Luca De Martino is a self-taught artist born in Napoli on January 28, 1979. Expert in Electronics and Telecommunications, A.I.A. Soccer Referee from 1996 to 2002, after his military service was over, he was hired by Marconi Spa in 2000 and then Ericsson Spa from 2003 to 2015 when he consensually terminated his contract. On December 18th 2004 at 4:45 pm begins …unaseriedicose… Quaderni: Always carry a notebook with him to write and draw with the people you meet, collaborating with anyone. There will eventually be 105 Notebooks when on 24 June 2016 at 7 pm he writes the last page. The extracts from the notebooks were exhibited at the Pica Gallery in 2010 in the personal exhibition “Quaderni su Tela”. In 2008 he wrote, directed, edited and performed “Journey into the Order of Ideas”; published in episodes on youtube on the unaseriedicose79 channel. Exhibited at the Pan in Naples in 2011. In 2015 he performs inks on the skin of the people he meets: Draw with water-based ink, photograph and erase to leave only the memory. In March 2020 he begins to publish his own photo compositions on Instagram. In June of the same year the video composition “Poetical views assembly”; was born, which participated in the Breakout exhibition at Mads in Milan from 15 to 31 July 2020.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Luca De Martino – Art is a serious topic.

LC – What are you currently working on?
LDM – I create at least one photocomposition every day to be published on my accounts. I’m working on a canvas with my photo compositions and paints. I’m working on videos with my sensations and my emotions. I’m always working on it. I’m currently living on art.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
LDM – The contemporary art is a survivor colours kit. The artist plays a role without time or competition, he leaves a trace of his identity. The artist can be alone or collaborate with humanity.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
LDM – Everywhere.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
LDM – I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s really important.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival?
LDM – “It takes a few seconds to generate a change, it takes a few minutes to create a world.” This is the message. I hope it’s connected with the theme. I sincerely hope that.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the festival or as a part of preexisting works?
LDM – “Poetical views assembly” was created for the Milan (MADS) and the Venice (ITSLIQUID) exhibitions.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
LDM – Do you want a performance rating? (Laugh) I have met people who take art seriously but unfortunately only virtual encounters.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
LDM – Perhaps… I don’t know now. This is my first time with the team of ITSLIQUID… It’s too early to respond.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists? 
LDM – I participated without thinking about it… (Pause) The human can always choose.