Interview: Luigi Quarta
Luca Curci talks with Luigi Quarta during FUTURE LANDSCAPES, third appointment of BORDERS ART FAIR, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

“Luigi Quarta, italian surreal artist, based in Parabita – a small town in the province of Lecce – has a knack for dreaming up surreal masterpieces. His work is constantly and surprising. In 2012 a friend convinced him to start a basic course in digital photography. He started this course as a hobby, two years later he continued with more advanced courses, finally, that hobby became his passion and, these days his profession. In his photographic vision, he represents a fantastic journey in a parallel world. He uses as an instrument of expression, combining different techniques to evoke the mystery and hidden meaning behind physical objects. Luigi’s strange creations tap into an unknown world. Words will not do justice to the magic found behind Luigi’s surreal pieces.”

Luca Curci – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration within yourself?
Luigi Quarta – When I take photos, I usually find inspiration within myself. I enjoy exploring my emotions, thoughts, and personal perceptions through the lens of the camera. I find that capturing meaningful moments or unique details helps me express my artistic vision and communicate what I feel. However, this doesn’t exclude the fact that I can also be influenced by the surrounding situations or external elements, but often I rediscover the true creative spark within my inner world.

LC – How important is the editing process in your work?
LQ – The editing process plays an extremely important role in my work. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to fully express myself and convey the desired message through my creations. Editing allows me to refine the visual aspect of my photos, and adjust lighting, contrast, and saturation to achieve the desired atmosphere. Furthermore, it gives me the opportunity to crop the image to emphasize key details or eliminate distracting elements that could alter the overall effect.

LC – How did you arrive at your current artistic practice?
LQ – My current artistic practice is the result of several years of experimentation and dedication to my passion for photography. I’ve gone through a process of growth and development, which has led me to refine my creative vision over time. One of the key elements that contributed to shaping my style was consistent practice with software like Photoshop, where I learned to manipulate and transform images to create unique and conceptual effects.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have habits or rituals while you work?
LQ – While I paint, I try to free my mind and focus entirely on the artistic creation. Thoughts diminish, allowing me to explore colours and shapes freely. Music is essential to this process, creating an emotional atmosphere that blends with my painting and stimulates creativity. Listening to music has become a ritual that helps me enter a state of mental flow and express emotions through art.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or instinctive process?
LQ – I choose my subjects instinctively, mostly they are friends with whom I have a strong connection.

LC – Do you use art to express something specific? Is it your means of expression?
LQ – Yes, I use art as a means of expression to communicate a variety of different concepts. Each artwork I create has its unique purpose and aims to convey emotions, ideas, or specific stories through colours, shapes, and compositions. Art is my way of communicating what I feel and think in ways that words alone often cannot achieve.

LC – How is the artwork presented in our exhibition connected to the theme of the exhibition?
LQ – The artwork “Panda” presented in the exhibition is connected to the theme of “future landscapes” through the title of the exhibition itself. The artwork represents an exploration of the concept of a future landscape, where I placed an animal in a non-natural environment, but rather a human habitat. Through this artwork, I wanted to convey the message that if we don’t take care of the Earth and adopt sustainable practices, there is a possibility that in the near future, humans could face serious consequences, jeopardizing their own existence. The presence of the panda in an unsuitable environment emphasizes the idea that in the future, without human intervention, nature will reclaim what is rightfully its own.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
LQ – I have only presented “Panda,” but it is part of a series called “zoo” consisting of 8 photos with various other animals, all enclosed within the same building.

LC – How do you feel when you see your completed work?
LQ – I feel great as if I feel “satisfied,” a sense of fulfilment.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can offer to artists?
LQ – As far as I’m concerned, I have noticed that you have worked very well and offered all the necessary services. I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your organization.

LC – What is your idea of ITSLIQUID GROUP?
LQ – A well-organized team with a great taste for art.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
LQ – Absolutely, yes.