Interview
Azia Maria Sammartano
Azia Maria Sammartano, alias Essereilnonessere, is an artist from Turin. Her basic education and her degree are not strictly linked to the artistic moment. On an artistic level, Azia is mostly a self-taught scholar. Over the years, she has attended drawing, collage, painting courses and in particular a course in painting on glass and glass mosaic. Her specialization for which she obtained a specialist degree is in human communication and language. She also received several master’s degrees including those in neuroscience and neuropsychology. She continues to train with various courses with dedication, love and consistency; aspects that are the result of meticulous research on the human soul, on cerebral synchronicity but also on intra- and interpersonal well-being. Azia graduated from SNIT (national school of theatrical improvisation) in 2019 and she still continues her activity in the Quinta Tinta company in Turin. As for exhibitions and events, she never held any until 2023, the art was not ripe to be shown to the public and honesty of the soul comes first. Now, strengthened by a new awareness, she is here ready to give to anyone who wishes a piece of her heart and soul present in every single one of her productions.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art has always been a source of inspiration and salvation for me. I was born in a town in the province of Turin, in northern Italy. As a child, I have always been a sensitive, empathetic child capable of understanding human dynamics even before they were revealed. I studied independently for a long time, I attended numerous courses in the artistic field and then studied human communication and relationship skills in depth, choosing a medical scientific degree. I have always produced art in my life and for some time I decided to implement my production, thanks to my health which often kept me at home and so I chose to transform everything that was happening around me into positivity. I launched myself and overcame the shame of showing myself to the public, I showed what was most intimate and secret I could have, my artistic productions. Thus, I overcame my fears and began my long and exciting journey.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I start from my deep knowledge of human communication and my passion for connecting with people. As a graduate with a science background, I delved into the complexities of human interaction, discovering innovative ways to communicate and create meaningful connections with humanity. With art, I am committed to breaking down barriers and creating bridges between individuals, communities and cultures. My starting point is to revolutionize the way we connect, fostering authentic understanding and empathy in an increasingly digital world. With art, I try to embrace the power of human connection. I believe every interaction has the potential to build relationships and inspire positive change. Science has led me to understand how engaging content or intense experiences aim to facilitate connections that transcend boundaries. In a world that often seems disconnected, I feel I am here to fill the void, the one that too often can also be found within us or in the place we are used to calling 'home'. My passion is to create art where diverse voices can be heard, ideas shared and understanding flourish. I think this is an exciting journey for us to embark on together and redefine how we communicate and connect with each other. Recently I have been dedicating myself to the study of social stereotypes and the role of women, trying to study their history and also their religious connections. The Catholic religion, although I am not a believer or practitioner, has always had great fascination for me in terms of study and I often find very interesting parallels both in the community context and in terms of the role of women which in my works I have often compared to Christ.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“For many years now, I have been following yoga, meditation and personal awareness courses. It is interesting to note that finding yourself immersed in a period of meditation or deep introspection often leads to the personal production of significant works. This silent reflection often allows you to delve deeper into your emotions, thoughts, and experiences, ultimately leading to the creation of something meaningful. Emotional intensity can serve as a catalyst for creative expression. I always draw inspiration from emotions, be it joy, sadness, anger or love, sometimes even those of the people who are closest to me emotionally. These intense emotions can ignite an inner spark, pushing me to express my feelings through art. Furthermore, the society in which one lives just as often greatly influences my creative output. Social events, cultural movements, or significant changes can serve as a backdrop that shapes perspective and provides a unique lens to display emotions and ideas. When I observe or experience the impact of such events, I am often driven to create something that reflects the perception or reaction to these circumstances. The connection between meditation, emotionally intense events and creative production is a deeply personal and individual journey, but always leads me to productions that audiences perceive as highly engaging. it is a testament to the power of introspection, emotional exploration, and the ability to channel these elements into artistic endeavors.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Emma Amos is a famous American painter who has addressed many important issues in her art, such as racism and feminism. His ability to tell stories through his paintings and address social and emotional issues inspires me deeply. Gyotaku is a Japanese printing technique that uses fish or other marine organisms as the matrix. The use of natural materials and the beauty of the details that can be achieved with this technique fascinate me and inspire me to explore new artistic possibilities. Yves Klein was a famous French artist known for his use of the color blue as a central element of his art. His ability to create emotional and vibrant works of art that impact the viewer pushes me to experiment with color and try to convey emotion through my work. These three sources of inspiration help me explore important themes and deepen my connection to the world. Each of these sources pushes me to experiment and develop my artistic style in new and interesting ways.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My work often has an abstract or cryptic feel, as I like to leave room for the viewer's personal interpretation. I like shades and textures that create visual depth and complexity. I also like to experiment with different techniques, such as ombre, crumpled and paint spray, to add further dynamism to my works. As for the materials I use, they are very variable. I like to experiment with different tools and mediums, such as brushes, palette knives, painting knives and even my hands. I like to work with strong and lively colours, but also with more subtle and delicate shades. Sometimes I reuse unexpected or recycled materials, such as old cans, pieces of wood, broken objects or materials found in nature, to create works that have a deeper meaning and promote sustainability. Sometimes I choose poor materials to communicate the simplicity and beauty that lies in small things. Sometimes I still use materials from personal artists from the past, to leave a trace of the past because it is always a seed for the future. The size of my works depends on the emotional impact I wish to convey.
A small installation can be intimate and personal, while a large canvas can be powerful and energetic. The choice depends on my artistic intent and the reaction I hope to arouse in the user. In addition to personal emotions, I like to explore broader themes that affect the world around us. I am interested in the environment, the interconnection between living things and our relationship with the planet. I try to convey a sense of wonder and beauty in nature, but also a note of awareness and responsibility in preserving it. My art is not only a form of personal expression, but also a way to connect with the world and share my vision with others. I hope that my works can inspire, excite and make those who observe them reflect, and that they can also solicit positive change in the world. Ultimately, my art is an internal search, a way to explore my deepest emotions and ideas. It's a process that nourishes me and gives me joy, but also a way to connect with others and share my message.”
“My work often has an abstract or cryptic feel, as I like to leave room for the viewer's personal interpretation.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art for me is the expression of the awareness of being able to be unique, of being able to provide a unique perspective on the world and on one's own experience. It is the ability to continuously improve oneself, to grow and develop both as an individual and as an artist. It is also the possibility of saving the community and oneself in it, of finding meaning and reason for living through artistic expression. Art can influence and inspire others, it can communicate important messages and encourage reflection. It can create connections between people, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. Art can be a means to highlight social, political and environmental issues, stimulating debate and action. Art can also bring joy, positive emotions and beauty into people's lives, helping to improve mental well-being and quality of life. In summary, for me art is a way of existing and relating to the world, a means of expressing and discovering oneself and one's place in the world.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite work is Chitsugi which obviously refers to Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese art which consists of repairing broken ceramic using a resin mixed with gold, silver or platinum powder. This technique allows the scars of the breakage to be made evident rather than hiding them, creating a new aesthetic and value to the ceramic. The glasses in the work are mine, broken one evening by a friend, the evening in which I met the person who would accompany me in life from then on. That evening, at that moment, the emotion was such that, upon returning home, I produced that 15*15 painting on canvas. Small, intimate but full of love for the wounds of both of us, mine and his, deep and experienced, elaborated but present. it is the memory of loving in ourselves and in others what we fear most, what makes us fragile but at the same time strong and beautiful souls.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I could mention the exhibitions in London, Rome and Venice, but I will give as an example something more contained but emotionally very important. Paratissima is an Italian contemporary art fair that takes place every year in Turin. Each year, the fair showcases the work of emerging artists from various disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography and installation. The fair typically includes exhibitions, performances, workshops and discussions, offering artists the opportunity to network, gain exposure and sell their artwork. It attracts collectors, art enthusiasts, gallery owners and art professionals from all over the world. Paratissima aims to create an inclusive and accessible environment for both artists and visitors, allowing everyone to experience and appreciate contemporary art. For me, Paratissima is the event that proposes urban redevelopment, connection and cultural and social exchange in Turin. Participating in the 2023 edition was a great honor for me out of affection for the production brought and also for having contributed to such an important event in my city.”
Website: azia-maria-sammartano.pixpa.com
Instagram: @essereilnonessere
