ART, WHATEVER IT TAKES
Since the early pandemic in 2020, Rome Art Program has conducted a series of interviews, “Art, Whatever It Takes.”
Artists, Art Critics, and Art Historians living in Italy, the U.S., and U.K., share their insights during these powerful times.
Interview with Alexis Nanavaty
Alexis Nanavaty is a PhD student in Art History at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London. She holds a Master’s degree in the History of Art and Archaeology from The Institute of Fine Arts, New York University and a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. Her research focuses on sixteenth-century Italian Art in the Veneto region, examining how artists collaborated with architects on large-scale decorative projects in villas and public spaces. Among these artists, she places particular emphasis on Battista Zelotti, who has been traditionally overlooked in art historical discourses.
RAP: What is your definition of "art" today?
Alexis Nanavaty: “Art” carries both social and cultural importance, connecting audiences through viewership and shared experiences. However, “art” is not static but constantly in flux, redefining itself to reflect society's shifting values and perspectives.
RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself... How does it change and how has it changed us?
Alexis: A work of art constantly shifts in response to its environment and the reception it receives from audiences and art historians alike. In this way, we shape art. Art, in turn, can change us through our engagement with it, offering new perspectives on the world.
RAP: What role does Art play today?
Alexis: In today’s world, art serves as a powerful tool for creating experiences, exemplified by audiences frequently visiting museums to engage with notable artworks in their collections. The desire to 'view' and 'experience' art underscores its significant role in connecting histories, societies, and cultures.
RAP: What would you recommend to an 'emerging artist' today?
Alexis: With a background in art history, I recommend studying art from the past to contextualise your practice. This comprehensive foundation can help you discover your own artistic style and methods. Additionally, as I specialise in Palladian Villas, architectural spaces built during the 16th century that blend tradition, practice, and innovation, I strongly encourage you to visit them! Engaging with environments that immerse you in different historical periods can be an invaluable experience.
RAP: How have new technologies & media culture changed Art today?.. made it better or worse...? ...challenges?
Alexis: New technologies and media culture have already changed how audiences engage with art. In my opinion, it is not a question of making art better or worse but a shift in the reception of art, offering new and intriguing ways to engage with it. Contemporary artists' use of these technologies is especially fascinating. I recently attended an opening for artist Pascal Sender, who incorporated augmented reality into his work. This exciting aspect of his work captivated audiences by offering underlying interpretations and meanings relevant to today's society.
RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging a work of art ; which is the right way to approach a work of art?
Alexis: I believe there is no singular approach to understanding a work of art. An artwork resembles a puzzle, rich with layers of meaning to be explored. When encountering a work of art, spend time with it and allow it to communicate with you. Building a relationship with the artwork during this process can offer valuable insights into why and how it was made. From this foundation, you can begin to formulate questions and engage more deeply with the composition and its context.
RAP: What is the real role of Academies and Art Schools today? What can artists learn from them today?
Alexis: Art Academies and Schools play an important role in inspiring artists and nurturing their talents as they develop and refine their techniques and methods. Ideally, artists gain foundational tools for their practice. In this way, these institutions have the potential to shape artistic output for future generations through the way artists are trained.
RAP: How do Art Galleries and Museums position themselves today, and, in your opinion, how should they?
Alexis: I’ve noticed that museums–especially in the UK– consider their public audiences and how they engage with works of art, particularly in exhibitions that focus on a central theme or artist. In this way, they acknowledge the importance of their public, making art more accessible and its value clearly understood. For me, art galleries and museums play a crucial role in engaging public audiences and sharing art with the world, helping to foster the importance of art across generations.
RAP: ...will Art save us?
Alexis: A work of art has the power to evoke strong emotions within us, opening our eyes to diverse perspectives on the world. In this way, art reminds us of our shared humanity and, ultimately, has the ability to save us.
courtauld.ac.uk/people/alexis-nanavaty/