What is your path and what was the spark that led you to art and creation?

Since I was a child I have always drawn, inspired by my father who I saw painting at home, then over time I understood more and more how strong my bond with art was, especially after my artistic high school diploma where is I understood that I wanted specialize in illustration, which I then deepened through private courses and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.

What is the medium that inspires you the most and why?

Initially I loved working in pencil, ink and watercolours, then I discovered digital and combined both freehand drawing and digital signing.

What are your influences and inspirations?

What is your creative process?

Usually I throw everything in a notebook, together with random words and scribbles which then become more decisive and concrete forms in the digital world, or I search for images online which I then rework, taking inspiration from the composition, which however I always make my own and personal.

Have you ever had experiences in an art gallery?

This is my first real experience in a gallery and I am very happy to have undertaken it right here in Venice, supported by wonderful people like you.

Mattia's fish and spritz splash, €40

Did you already know about reproduction (screen printing, risography, pigment printing) and multiples?

I had already known these techniques but I was only able to deepen the screen printing thanks to the gallery.

Which artwork would you choose to accompany you throughout your life?

“The Splash” by David Hockney gives me a sense of peace and freedom, it reminds me of the diving I used to do from the diving board of the bathing establishment that my grandparents managed when I was little and I spent the summers with them in Puglia. Childhood, freedom and peace are elements that I want to bring with me and into my profession as an artist.

Which exhibition, artist or work of art moved you the most?

The work in front of which I was moved the most and I am still moved is "The Dressing of the Bride" by Max Ernst. It represents for me a work dear to me, which when I studied at school gave me as much energy as melancholy for its meaning. When I find myself in front of it, I can't help but get excited and shed a few tears.

A place that inspires you?

Punta Della Dogana in Venice, a place where I often go and experience all kinds of emotions, from the happiest to the most melancholic and from which I seem to be able to observe the whole city , but also the view from Montmartre in Paris or the one from the Center Pompidou .

What's your favourite colour?

Electric blue.

Music that transports you?

All songs by Andrew Belle.

An essential book for your library?

"The Perfect Wave" by Sergio Bambarén.

A film that marked you?

"Marie Antoinette" by Sofia Coppola.

A childhood memory?

Me chasing the fish by swimming underwater and diving from the pier early in the morning in the icy water of my Taranto sea.

What's your mantra?

"Nam Myoho Rengekyo"

What is your typical day like?

Drawing, drawing, drawing, ah yes, then drawing, drawing and… drawing! No come on, there's also some time for a prosecco and evenings with friends once in a while. 

What is the role of Garance & Marion in the evolution of your career as an artist?

Garance & Marion believe in me and are helping me grow and make me known more and more as an artist!

what are your future projects?

Buying a Barchìn, living from my art more and more and getting a Dachshund and calling it Briccola.

The works of Mattia Caracciolo on our website: https://garance-marion.com/collections/mattia-caracciolo

His instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/mattia_caracciolo/?hl=fr