Interview
Mario Pratesi
‘Marius’, as Mario is sometimes referred to, was born in Florence on July 26, 1972. As a child, he was trained in the beauties of the ancient and modern world, and traveled with his parents throughout Europe.
In 1999, ‘Marius’ began his personal journey within the visual arts, making a series of short films. The climax was in 2012, when he made a feature film on the atrocities of the Second World War, and bringing back the family experience.
In 2012, taking the brush in hand, he began to imprint his mood and way of being, his joys, his pains and his passions on canvas and cardboard with oil paints and pencils.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I really loved comics when I was a kid. I then went on to shoot feature and short films, and finally landed in the art of painting five years ago.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art is complex and universal. It talks about the history of the universe, of novels and miserable people, and obviously about principles. But rarely does my art talk about politics—it hardly deserves it.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“My art doesn’t directly follow contemporary currents. It’s much more associated with informal and expressionist art.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“When I have an idea or the desire to expel a bit of pictorial enthusiasm, I don’t program it beforehand. Instead, I go straight into making the paintings. Sometimes I’m through with a piece in an hour or less.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“The informal image is the basis for which I paint in oil on canvas or cardboard. I rarely use acrylic.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I feel free when I paint, and it often helps me banish my deep fears.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite work is the first vase of flowers, because it is linked to a particular moment—the death of my partner’s father.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve been exhibiting for a number of years. The most noteworthy was Bologna 2021. You can read all about it here.”
