Luca Curci talks with Tommaso Carrara during BARCELONA CONTEMPORARY 2021, 2nd Edition, at Valid World Hall Gallery.

I have always liked beautiful photographs, but I have never been interested in ‘making’ photographs. Until December 2018 when, following the end of a relationship, I felt the need to investigate my inner thoughts and try to somehow explain what was going on. This is when I bought myself a proper camera and began self-learning about how to actually operate it.  I do not generally follow a specific pattern while shooting as I tend to freeze a moment/person/situation that inspires me. I believe that inspiration may come from a variety of elements such as light, shadow, mood, feelings that cross my path. Therefore there is no such thing as a scheme of elements that I always include in my photography. At the same time, I cannot really say what I want to express through my photography. Often I do not even know what I am trying to communicate myself in the first place, and I would prefer not to influence the viewer. What I really care about is knowing that the viewer comes up with their own interpretation, which I think is the ultimate meaning of any form of art.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?

Tommaso Carrara – I do not have a formal background in any visual art, I graduated in Information Technology and I work as an Information Security professional for living. That said, I have always liked beautiful photographs, although I have never been interested in ‘making’ photographs. Until December 2018 when, following the end of a relationship, I felt the need to investigate my inner thoughts and try to somehow explain what was going on. This is when I bought myself a proper camera and began self-learning about how to actually operate it.

LC – What are you currently working on?
TC – I am working on my very first project, which I would not want to discuss for the time being as it is still in the making.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
TC – Probably consistency. There are days when lots of interesting things seem to be appearing in front of me, and other days where nothing particularly interesting seems to materialize. This is obviously just me, and keeping my mindset focused and positive is sometimes a little challenging.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
TC – I feel extremely rewarded! I would really like to have an exhibition of my own one day and possibly a book.

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?
TC – In the lights of the recent events and the struggle we all went through during the Covid pandemic, I wanted to make a positive statement of hope and positivism. That we are not alone, even if we are physically distant, and that love can be found pretty much everyone around us if we search the right way.

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?
TC – Both artworks are preexisting works.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? How did it inspire you?
TC – The main inspiration was surely the international exposure along with the thematic.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
TC – Absolutely, and I think I may take another chance!

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
TC – I did not know ITSLIQUID GROUP before, but based on my experience it is something I would recommend others.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
TC – It has been a pleasure to exhibit with ITSLIQUID group and I am looking forward to work together again.