Fabio Ferrone Viola is an Italian artist linked to the PopArt by Leo Castelli – NYC; he uses urban recycled materials to remark the evils of consumerism;
Fabio has exhibited widely in various galleries in Miami, London, New York & Milan; his works can be found in museums such as the Vittoriano-Rome & the Arca-Naples museum.
Art, whatever it takes – RomeArtProgram has made interviews with people involved in art, living in Italy, the USA and the UK, to know their feelings during these hard times.
-> Fabio Ferrone Interview:
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RomeArtProgram: What is your definition of “art” today?
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->Fabio Ferrone: Art is what ever makes you dream and fly high with your thoughts.
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RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself… how does it change, and how did it change us?
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-> Fabio: The world changes every day, even art follows a process of adaptation and points of view. The influence of artists on the world works is like a concentric mirror that infinitely self-reflects as it goes.
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RAP: When (and how) did you understand that art was becoming very important in your life?
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-> Fabio: I believe the components of creativity are in the DNA of every soul that descends to earth, then some are lucky enough to follow their instinct. I felt the need to express my state of mind by drawing and painting, and if this creates a positive stimulus in people, this is great for me.
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RAP: What role does art play today? What are the “great figures” who have recently changed it? Do you feel close to any of these figures?
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-> Fabio: Artists in current society, as in the recent past, have always represented a point of reference and a voice to be listened to in democratic systems, and certainly in Western ones, unfortunately where the government does not allow a free voice, artists are limited and often prosecuted if not are in line with government policies. I Still follow and love my best iconic artists of the last century like Jasper Johns & Robert Rouchemberg that really anticipate Popart as it is today.
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RAP: Are there still traditional figures such as collectors, muses, mecenate and patrons, in today’s art and society interaction model?
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-> Fabio: In my opinion great people always have influences in our society .
We all need someone to be inspired, and reference points. I personaly don’t follow much trends or collectors, I don’t care much if I sell or not. I do follow my own trends & ideas.
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RAP: How have the new technologies and media culture changed art today, improving or worsening it…? What do you feel are your biggest challenges?
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-> Fabio: Technology has brought great changes to our lives and of course to the art world as technology is becoming a new dimension of knowledge that really can make the difference in this next future, with A.I. .
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RAP: Art as a mirror of man, in this moment of emergency seems to be shattered …what do these fragments reflect now?… Shadow or light of the moment?
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-> Fabio: We are living the worst time in our history, we are living a real nightmare, wars and horrible ways of siding with one another, at this point, at least as far as I’m concerned, this makes me suffer a lot.
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RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging the work of art; which is the right path when we are in front of a piece of art?
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-> Fabio: In order to have the right to judge a work of art, you must start from the obligatory assumption of knowing in depth the how, the when and the why… so, after having taken these three steps, everything else acquires a relative weight.
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RAP: What is the real role of Academies and Art schools today? What can artists learn from these institutions today?
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-> Fabio: Academies and schools are fundamental for building the culture and growth process of the artists of the future. This step, that builds a base of competence of some artistic figures, is nothing compared to the true talent that dwells in the soul of the great talent.
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RAP: Art too has undergone a complex process of globalization; can having an authentic and genuine style be an advantage or a drag for an artist?
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-> Fabio: Yes, since we live mixed in a caos… yes, of course, since the Internet is exsisting, it’s not possible to guarantee the uniqueness of one’s works, but this is a relative damage, because the artist who does not have the strength of his own precise style is just a number in the crowd.
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RAP: How do Art Galleries and Museums position themselves today, and, in your opinion, how should they?
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-> Fabio: This a very long Story … Museums and big Galleries Always had a very strong power in our history, so, we must take them under control and keep and eye on the market.
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RAP: “Figurative” or “Abstract” ? Which of the two is better descriptive of the period we live in? Which one will have a better future?
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-> Fabio: I really love both, figurative art has always represented the simplest and most direct way that an artist has available to transform a thought but since the mid-1950s many great artists have changed this system, and today we can safely say that there is an equivalent market between figurative and abstract, and there is no reason to think that one is more important than the other.
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RAP: Today we often speak of “emerging artists”; what advice based on your experience do you feel you can give to young artists?
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-> Fabio: I can safely assert that an artist without recognition will never be a true artist, and unfortunately today I see thousands of clones, or pseudo artists, who have nothing interesting because they are too busy copying one thing or the other. Inspiration is certainly important, but you can’t exaggerate…
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RAP: Art as a lens for reading the present, can it modify the space and time we pass through? …will art save us?
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-> Fabio: Art is absolutely the only true thermometer of the society that experiences it. Art represents the only true point of reference for society, unfortunately few people understand it. Art will surely save us from the mists of time and from the darkness…. Long live art..!
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fabioferroneviola.com
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@popartisalive
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Art-as-Power
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