Interview: Marcello Muiesan
Luca Curci talks with Marcello Muiesan during the 10th edition of LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2024, at ELEMENTS Contemporary Art Space in London.

Marcello Muiesan, born in Verona, Italy on 15th January 1971, has exhibited remarkable creativity across various mediums from a young age, including drawing, painting, and photography. Encompassing his diverse talents as a painter, chef, sommelier, and entrepreneur, the artist epitomises a life dedicated to creativity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His artistic expression intertwines culinary techniques with painting techniques, crafting abstract pieces that reflect his emotions, moods, and sentiments. Drawing inspiration from his love for cooking, his discerning aesthetic taste, and his unyielding drive to create, Marcello Muiesan continues to make his artistic mark on the world.

Luca Curci – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
Marcello Muiesan – I’m a self-taught artist. I never studied painting, but I have a background in Graphic Design from running a company with some friends years ago. Just before the pandemic, I went through a difficult breakup and felt an emotional void that I decided to fill by starting to paint. After creating my first few paintings, I developed my own technique, which I now incorporate into every artwork. I add textures and layers to create a rich piece of art. Having started painting just three years ago, my practice is continuously evolving as I explore new tools, colours, and techniques.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
MM – My way of painting is very Freudian, as I like to call it! I don’t really think; I let emotions take over and express myself on the canvas. Depending on my mood, my artwork can take on a bright or dark tone, reflecting what I see in them after completion. I have a specific routine. I prefer to paint when it’s sunny to absorb the energy, in front of a large window that lets in natural light. Depending on my mood, I listen to different singers or groups and have a cup of tea ready. Music helps me disconnect from the outside world further, as I aim to preserve my emotional focus without distractions.

LC – Among the several techniques you use, which one do you prefer to practice and which are most compelling for you?
MM – As mentioned, I have developed my own painting technique, which I have never revealed to keep my artworks unique. Despite visiting many galleries and exhibitions, I have never come across anything quite like what I create. Perhaps, and I emphasize perhaps, Gerhard Richter’s technique is the closest to mine, but I only discovered it a year after I started when I visited the Tate Modern. What I can share about my painting style is that I seldom use brushes; instead, I often employ cooking techniques and utensils to craft my art.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
MM – It really depends on my mood, but most of the time, I feel at peace. Painting is extremely therapeutic for me; it’s a way to release the stress of trauma, starting with the breakup and later the cancer diagnosis. It’s like cutting through all the problems and focusing on my inner feelings, allowing me to freely express myself. I experience the same emotions when cooking (as I’m also a private chef) and writing (I wrote a book about my initial days of therapy to overcome cancer). Once a piece is completed, I tend to revisit it repeatedly in the days that follow. This brings me joy and fills me with pride. With certain paintings, I form a deep attachment, making it challenging to part with them if they are sold. Some artworks, like “Heartbroken,” are too personal for me to let go of; I have decided to remove them from the market.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art?
MM – Art on social media is suitable for flat artwork or digital art. On a screen, textures, the depth of stroke, shading, and other details are challenging to appreciate fully. The perspective is limited to one, the frontal view, which appears two-dimensional. This limitation emphasizes the need for my paintings to be viewed in person to truly grasp the intricacies of texture. I believe many artists who work with textures share this perspective. While social media serves as a valuable tool to broaden reach and exhibit contemporary art, I am intrigued by the extent to which individuals would invest in a costly piece of art without the opportunity to experience it first-hand. Viewing art in person allows for a deeper connection and understanding that may not be replicated through digital platforms.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
MM – The piece I submitted for the exhibition is titled “Ukrainian Superstar,” drawing a connection to the current and contemporary War in Ukraine, thus aligning well with the theme. In contemporary art, it is essential to not only showcase technique and style but also to reflect the events occurring in the world, spanning from social to public occurrences. Given that I am painting abstract art inspired by current world events, I believe my artwork is profoundly linked to the exhibition’s theme.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
MM – This artwork was originally commissioned by a Lithuanian friend who, unfortunately, will soon be moving to the USA and is unable to take the painting with her. “Ukrainian Superstar” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the courageous people of Ukraine in their unwavering battle against the intense storm of conflict with Russia. The shades of blue and violet in my composition evoke the mesmerizing eyes of a superstar, enhanced by bold and vibrant makeup. Simultaneously, a captivating swirl cutting diagonally across the canvas embodies the essence of a mouth, a nose, and flowing hair.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
MM – Yes, they do. They organize various exhibitions worldwide, and competitions, and provide exposure to artists who are looking to be discovered. Selling art is all about reaching the right audience, and to achieve that, you need to put yourself out there. The ITSLIQUID GROUP offers you this opportunity.