Interview
Alberto Tomasi
Alberto was born on the 4th of July 1988 in Italy, and currently lives in Trentino, Italy. He makes his artwork out of a unique material: newspaper rolls. A few years ago, in a time of strong creative impulse, Alberto found himself rolling some newspaper pages. He soon realized that he was on the right path to creating something new; a craft that could lead to healing and invoke a bright energy.
Giving a newspaper page a longer life rewards Alberto’s need for transformation and evolution. Emptiness lets filled spaces stand out. The canvas is woven thinly leaving spaces that reveal a lack of dimension.
Alberto has exhibited his work through the art associations in his area, Pergine Valsugana Italy. He credits the moon and its powerful energy for his evolution. Alberto is currently working on a new piece that comes from the desire to show a brighter reality, a form of recovery. The full moon is the main player in the creation of light and energy. It keeps on moving and reflecting the state of his soul and the hope for people’s freedom from impositions.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I found a way to express my creativity using newspaper pages. My passion for art and beauty began in childhood, with a grandfather who allowed my imagination to thrive. I would find myself filled with amazement by what I observed, and then I would transform my feelings through thoughts, drawings, or poems.
After studying graphic design, I worked on a construction site. In my early twenties, I was the victim of an accident at the site which left me close to death. I had a strong out-of-body experience which resulted in an interest in psychology, philosophy, and esotericism.
Another major event that influenced my art journey was at a photo shoot during a storm where I was able to capture lighting. My creative impulse at that time was at its best. Soon after that, I found myself rolling the newspaper page regarding my accident, then some others. Instinctively, I started weaving them together and built a sort of weft. That was the beginning of a brand new way of making art.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I like to think that my craft can be seen as a universal language. A newspaper is written in a language that not everyone can understand, but when transformed into art, it can communicate to everyone. A geometrical language of colors and shapes. The canvas represents a cage which leads to conventional living. But then the colorful lines coming to the surface in a Y shape, as seen below, express people’s own way of overcoming society’s schemes. There’s an awakening and healing from the freedom of choosing your own path.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“None, I always wanted to follow my own journey and connect with the energies I feel, although this can sometimes be isolating.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I tend to produce when I’m inspired, mainly by nature. I live focusing on marvels that inspire.”
“My work doesn’t comment on sociopolitical issues, but is about rebellion from impositions.
My first piece in 2014 was called ‘Oltre Pensiero’, meaning to inspire people to follow their own will and thought. It used about 140 rolls of newspaper and was 150 x 50 cm.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“The idea models itself. The whole base of the artwork is made out of rolls of newspaper, woven into a three-dimensional canvas that resembles a sculpture. It then evolves using color.
The actual crafting of each art piece follows the lunar cycle. The period after the new moon is the time for seeding and setting the intentions which you wish to manifest. During this time, I roll the newspaper pages, creating the rolls, and then weave them into a canvas. The full moon is a time of incredible power, a time for celebrating what has been accomplished. I try to show the work in progress to the moonlight.
The last step is the most instinctive part of the ritual. I paint the weft I created by low candlelight, almost in darkness. I lean into my other senses, rather than sight, and paint using acrylics, oil colors, and glue. This process happens mainly in my garage as I don’t have a proper studio.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Creating art is a great form of healing for me. It helps me live my spirituality, and allows me to share my visions with the world.”
What is your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite art piece is ‘Moon’s Kiss’, shown above. It stands out in my mind because of the intensity of its crafting. The vision germinated in my mind while walking in the snow towards the place where I usually meditate. The colorful rolls that shape the branches of the tree are not straight like in the previous paintings. It marked a change of style, but also a personal internal mutation.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“The most meaningful exhibition for me, took place at Castle Pergine in 2018. I displayed the biggest artwork I’ve ever made, Ergo Sum—shown above—which is 173 x 208 cm. I felt that the Castle, loaded with history and charm, imbued the art with more energy and magnetism. The exhibition started from the knights’ room on the ground floor of the main keep, passing through the prison room, and then the current restaurant’s dining room. If I’m to exhibit there again, I’d like it to be centered on the moon, with its mysticism and influence on the human being.”
Instagram: @tomasi.alberto.art
Email: tomasialbertoart@gmail.com
