Inside the Studio

Marco Battaglini: Classical Street Stylings

What are the major themes you pursue in your work?

I fell in love with the idea of mixing the ‘heaven’ with the ‘ghetto’, creating a clash of two opposing aesthetics and finally discovering that they can live together harmoniously. In the end, I think it is to present our realities coexisting beyond our specific context; it is to provoke the imagination, to reconsider judgments … it is to see the beauty in everything.

In my ARTPOPCLASSIC® series, the inspiration for this ‘fusion’ is born from a desire to break the mold; to be able to fuse different spatial, temporal and cultural realities, showing the relativity of our analytical parameters, aesthetics, pre-concepts, etc. causing the viewer to see a bit beyond our framework.

How did you first get interested in your medium, and what draws you to it specifically?

I grew up surrounded by art, and I believe that from an early age I perceived the extraordinary power of art. I think art can change the world and definitely it does so, every day. Art is a communication that is more powerful and more real to any human being than any gun or war. It changes people’s opinions, style, ideas, and even sometimes people’s way of living.

In addition, the visual contrast that I create wants to be an explosive detonator of the imagination of the public. IMAGINATION IS EVERYTHING, is the vehicle to take us where we want to be, and create our reality, and my art wants to be a way to expand the imagination of the viewer, a tool for you to fly beyond the logical structures.

How has your style and practice changed over the years?

It has become more conceptua, so it’s not only about aesthetic satisfaction, but also an intellectual and emotional contribution.

Can you walk us through your process? Do you begin with a sketch, or do you just jump in? How long do you spend on one work? How do you know when it is finished?

My works were defined as “Unique Digital paintings”. First I work in digital on the highest quality canvas and then I finish with airbrush (especially in the background) and acrylic (throughout the composition) creating a unique original piece. This also allows the colors to be more vivid and vibrant. A work can take me from a week to a month to complete. I know that a work is finished when I look at it and it satisfies me … when I feel it has everything I want to communicate.

Who are some of your favorite artists, and why?

I’ve definitely had very many influences. I am Italian, from Verona and I always loved art. I am the son and grandson of artists, and all my studies have been in the Arts, first in Verona and then in Venice. During my artistic training I have been  influenced by Renaissance artists, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and also conceptual movements. I think that my fascination for the arts and for different artists, movements, concepts and techniques has facilitated my artistic vision to conceptualize the coexistence of different styles and different ways to communicate in a single composition.

What are some of your favorite experiences as an artist?

To inspire people, make them believe … expand limits. A great friend told me recently that my art had the power to heal and that moved me deeply.

Some years ago I saw a picture that impacted me so much, because for me it represents the essence of art. The essence of art: to inspire, to create feelings and to visualize other possibilities. Good art enters the soul, appeals to the heart, and makes new ideas plausible.