Interview: Marie-Pierre de Gottrau
Luca Curci talks with Marie-Pierre de Gottrau during FUTURE LANDSCAPES, third appointment of BORDERS Art Fair 2020, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello and during OUT OF BALANCE, second appointment of CANVAS International Art Fair, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

After obtaining a master’s degree in history of art and history at the University of Geneva (1986), I completed my artistic training at the Università Internazionale dell’arte in Florence and obtained my diploma in painting restoration in 1988. Back in Geneva I studied pedagogical studies (1993-95) for the teaching of the history of art and history. Painting, teaching and art restoration constitute my professional life. My artistic work has been exhibited 15 times in several cities in Switzerland, mostly in Geneva and Zurich and, thanks to ITSLIQUID, in Venice and London. I am married and I am mother of four children.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Marie-Pierre de Gottrau – I will answer about the painting through a quote from Paul Valéry “Painting makes it possible to look at things as they were once contemplated with love”.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
MPdG – My family background has influenced my interest in art since my parents were both artists.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
MPdG – The role of artists is particularly important today since their work allows them to prove that human beings have not lost their soul (!).

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
MPdG – My main source of inspiration is anything that evokes the idea of beauty.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
MPdG – Style does not change with years of experience, rather, style is dictated by its subject, to which it submits.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, have the artworks presented been created for the festival or as a part of preexisting works?
MPdG – The artworks presented by Itsliquid in London and Venice this year were chosen from already produced works.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
MPdG – The proposed themes are interesting and allow a great deal of creative freedom.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
MPdG – The team is efficient and very friendly.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
MPdG – Itsliquid allows artists that stand on the fringes of contemporary academia to have the chance to show their work freely outside the commercial system set up by art galleries. This is a considerable opportunity that you offer to the creative process. I am very grateful to you for this.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
MPdG – I very much appreciated our collaboration and regret that Covid prevented me from traveling to Venice and London to appreciate your considerable work in hanging the works. I hope that we will be able to repeat this beautiful experience and I send you and the whole team my best regards.