Could Victorian parks in London be a subject of contemporary photography? They can. In photographs of Andrea Vicentini from Italy. In his series “Senteza di Massa – The judgement of the mass” the photographer refers to rules of Victorian garden planning: the the creation of contrast, the installation of surprise, the concealment of the borders. Seen from this angle the garden is, in mediative black and white images of Vicentini, a personal place, able to communicate emotions and feelings. The works of art are on display at ’96 Metri Cubi d’arte’ in Milano till March, 19. ‘Sentenza di Massa’ series comprises 11 pictures ranging from 15×22 up to 110X165 cm printed on Photo Rag® Bright White, mounted on Dibond and wooden framed. We are honoured to host an interview with Andrea here on our blog.
When did you discover your passion for photography?
I started photographing when I was young following my father in his homemade dark room experiments. Although I have been taking this passion seriously after my first solo exhibition in 2012 in wich I was invited to take part of the Contemporary Archive of MART Museum in Rovereto (Italy). Since then I have attended workshops and the London College of Communication at UAL(Contemporary Photography Course) to enhance both my vision and background.
How did you come to the world of Fine Art photography?
My first exhibition was about travel photography. I’m still fond of that exhibition, but gradually I felt the desire to show a deeper meaning in my shoots and to put more layers in them. I begane a research on Contemporary Art and the more I discovered the more I fell in love with this art in its highest meaning and best quality expression.
Which of your projects opened the door to the art market/professional market?
As usually things happen. I met a guy who was attracted by some pictures I’ve already printed and were drying in my studio. He suggested me to show those artworks to a gallerist from Milano and so it was. The gallerist chose my project ‘ Sentenza di Massa’ to be part of a solo exhibition during the philosophy and art festival called ‘FilosofArti’.
Who inspires you most?
I get inspired from photographers as much as painters and sculptors. I would mention Francesca Woodman, Barnett Newman and Richard Serra as idealistic menthors. In addiction I’m fascinated by the relationship between space and my pictures. I’m not focused only on images. I carefully choose dimensions, paper, mounting, framing, and lighting as a whole experience dedicated to the viewer.
Detail of a print on FineArt Baryta
How would you describe your personal photography style?
I’m still experimenting different styles. I have been working in abstract expressionism as much as Conceptual.
What is most challenging about photography?
It’s hard getting both coherence and cohesion on a long-term basis. Sometimes it may be easy to take beautiful pictures because we all live in an as wonderful as rough world but the challenge is to instill food for thought to the audience.
How important is the printed presentation of your works of art?
In the age of digital photography, I decided to bet on the process which leads the snapshot to become a tangible photo to personally follow all the stages of the creation. I wish to leave a heritage of printed pictures instead of raw digital data.
Which is your favorite Hahnemühle paper and why?
I have two favourites papers: Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta 325 because of color space and deep black. I do love the surface that gives a 3D effect. On the other side I choose Hahnemühle Photo Rag Bright White 315 for my matted works. To the truth I have sheets and rolls of Museum Etching, Torchon and PhotoSilkBaryta up to 44’’. Therefore I clearly have more than two favourites papers.
Do you have a dream project you would like to realize sometime?
I have been working on a project called ‘Event Horizon’ which aims to explore the boundary line of a black hole and take it as a reference to compare with the human being. It’s the involvement in the hidden stories inside the mathematical and astronomical researches by astronomy observatories. It seems to foretell me great experiences.
More on the photographer and his portfolio online at www.andreavicentini.com
