Maurizio D'Andrea founded a new artistic movement at the prestigious AccorsiArte gallery - the Radical Introversic Art Movement. It is precisely this approach that allows unifying and liberating our personal and collective unconscious, an art in which the protagonists of the creative process are the artist, the artwork, and all those who engage in dialogue with it. Read the interview to discover more.
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Kooness: What Does Your Artwork Represent?
Maurizio D'Andrea: My art is based on a deep study of the psyche and represents a bold exploration of the hidden depths of the human mind. Freud, with his theory of the unconscious, introduced the idea that there are layers of thought and desire beneath the surface of consciousness, while Jung expanded on this concept by introducing the concept of the collective unconscious. The latter is a kind of repository of shared human experiences and archetypes that manifest through myths, symbols, and recurring images. I use abstraction as a means to explore these psychological depths. Abstraction, in its purest form, is an attempt to distill the essence of an object or concept into unrecognizable forms, eliminating the direct representation of reality. In this way, the artist aims to bypass the surface of things and penetrate the unconscious, where universal archetypes reside. In my works, archetypes emerge in the form of repeated shapes and symbols, creating a visual language that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.
K: Who are your biggest artistic influences?
MA: There are many past artists who have greatly influenced my work over the years. One of the art movements that has particularly fascinated me is American Abstract Expressionism, especially the New York School. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Robert Motherwell have had a significant impact on my understanding of abstract art and gestural painting. Jackson Pollock, with his "dripping" technique and the impetuous energy of his paintings, inspired my exploration of spontaneity and gesturality in art. Mark Rothko, with his works characterized by vibrant and emotional color fields, helped me understand the use of color as a vehicle for emotional expression. Robert Motherwell, with his works that often incorporate symbolic elements and texts, contributed to my understanding of art as a means of conveying profound meanings and abstract concepts. In Italy, the Informal painter Emilio Vedova had a significant influence on my gestural painting.
K: How Do You Make your Artworks?
MA: My artistic technique is the result of an evolving process rooted in my training but developed in a personal and original way over the years. I have invested time in studying artistic techniques and drawn inspiration from past artists, but at the same time, I have developed a distinctive method that reflects my individuality. In my works, I use a wide range of artistic tools, including brushes, spatulas, rags, spray cans, and even combs or any other objects that I find useful and within reach. This diversity of tools allows me to experiment and create unique and surprising effects. My technique is deeply gestural, which means that working quickly and spontaneously is an integral part of my creative process. My paintings often take shape very quickly, with vigorous and impetuous movements that directly express my mood and connection with the work. If a painting fails to communicate with my unconscious or evoke significant emotions, I do not hesitate to modify it or even destroy it.
K: Describe what kind of art you focus on
MA: My painting is related to lyrical-informal abstraction but also to contemporary international abstraction. I love to explore the intimacy of the soul through an intense and profound approach, born from the vibrations of the mind. This almost symbiotic connection with the canvas can be as destructive as it is rancorous. My abstraction is continuously evolving, as I, as an artist, do not limit myself to simply representing my message but go beyond the formal aspect. Through impetuous gestures, restless shots, and bodily impulses, I try to make my painting extremely expressive and intense. This process is fueled by powerful energy that is not only seen but felt. I represent the unconscious with its personal and universal Jungian archetypes, and I believe that only abstract art can truly give voice to the unconscious.
K: What motivates you to create?
MA: The search for the universal. My quest for universality in the collective unconscious is inspired by the Platonic idea of the universal form. Plato argued that behind every particular object or concept, there exists an ideal and universal form representing its essence. Similarly, I seek to capture these universal forms through my art, bringing to light the deep connections between shared human experiences.
K: Which art trends inspire your current work?
MA: My current artistic production draws inspiration from a variety of international artistic influences, but at the heart of it all is the intriguing exploration of the unconscious. In my practice of abstract painting, I seek to visually capture thoughts, emotions, and visions that reside deep within the psyche. This merges the nuances of informal abstraction, echoing masters like Jean Dubuffet, and the explosive energy of abstract expressionism, evoking artists like Jackson Pollock. The result is artworks that not only embrace the ambiguity and depth of the unconscious but also invite the viewer to embark on a journey into the innermost recesses of the soul, discovering the mysterious world that lies beyond consciousness.
K: How do you define success as an artist?
MA: Success as an artist, in my view, is when one's work transcends the boundaries of personal expression and becomes a source of connection and contemplation for others. It's about effectively communicating complex emotions and concepts through art and evoking a profound response from the audience. True success lies in the ability to leave a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole, whether through provoking thought, inspiring change, or simply stirring the depths of the human soul with one's creations.
K: Describe how art is important to society
MA: Art is a mirror that reflects the soul of society. It serves as a powerful vehicle for cultural expression, social commentary, and the exploration of human experiences. Art has the ability to challenge conventions, provoke discussions, and inspire change. It enriches our lives, fosters creativity and critical thinking, and helps us connect on a deep, emotional level. Art preserves our history, documents our culture, and leaves a legacy for future generations. In essence, art is a fundamental part of our shared human experience, shaping our identity, values, and understanding of the world.
K: What are your ultimate career goals?
MA: My ultimate career goals as an international abstract artist are multifaceted. First and foremost, I aim to bring my abstract art to the world, sharing my creations and vision with a global audience. I want people from diverse cultures and backgrounds to connect with my work and find personal meaning in my pieces. Additionally, a fundamental goal is to convey my "language of the unconscious" I wish for my audience to immerse themselves in this exploratory journey and grasp the multifaceted aspects of the human experience that I seek to capture in my works. Lastly, an important objective is to emphasize the universality of art. I believe that abstract art, in particular, can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, touching the chords of humanity that bind us all. I want to demonstrate that art is a universal language that can inspire, move, and connect people worldwide, conveying ideas and emotions beyond words.
K: Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
MA: I was born in Naples, Italy, at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano. One of the factors that has profoundly influenced my creativity is my environment. From my balcony, I had the privilege of contemplating the majestic Vesuvius and the sea, two endless sources of inspiration. This connection with nature and the surrounding landscape has undoubtedly influenced my artistic work over the years. I graduated in vulcanology, and although this may seem like a very different path from painting, I have found ways to integrate my passion for art with my scientific background. I have also dedicated much time to studying key figures in psychology such as Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, in addition to exploring the world of symbolism.
Cover Image: Maurizio D'Andrea. Freedom. Courtesy of Teravarna
Written by Kooness
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