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 Michelino Iorizzo
Michelino Iorizzo was born in Rome (1971), graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, then began to teach privately in Italy & abroad (Asian Academies). His research is mainly concentrated on dreamy female portraits; his talent ranges from painting to sculpture, ceramics, ancient icons. Michelino Iorizzo has exhibited widely in galleries in Italy & abroad, some of his works are in the collections & permanent exhibitions of Italian & foreign museums.
RAP: What is your definition of "Art" today?
Michelino Iorizzo: Art today is one thing, the market is another..!
RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself... How does it change and how has it changed us?
Michelino Iorizzo: Art has evolved over the centuries, both in terms of materials and themes. From the first graffiti in caves, to the first paintings in churches, to modern and contemporary art. It's clear that there is a vital need in man: inherent in our soul! With the slow passage of the centuries, Art inexorably transforms us...
RAP: What is the role of Art today?
Michelino Iorizzo: For me, art today very often remains unrelated to the market. That is to say, many painters with few ideas and even less quality are at the top of the market, while others, with great skills, are not considered...
RAP: What would you recommend to an 'emerging artist' today?
Michelino Iorizzo: Today, those who wish to follow this path must do so without asking why, but be proud to walk it!
RAP: How have new technologies & media culture changed Art today?.. made it better or worse...? ...challenges?
Michelino Iorizzo: The new technology of today will lead to a slow and inexorable loss of skills! Only those who know how to use them correctly will be able to find new stylistic solutions...
RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging a work of Art ; what is the right way to approach a work of Art?
Michelino Iorizzo: The work of art is absolute and each of us can have our own interpretation, based on our own culture and sensibilities.
RAP: What is the real role of Academies and Art schools today? What can artists learn from them today?
Michelino Iorizzo: Unfortunately, today's academies have no real masters at the helm, but rather teachers who have found their way there through recommendations and various grades... I speak from personal experience; the artist today must study privately to acquire the necessary knowledge and already have good skills.
RAP: How do Art Galleries and Museums position themselves today, and how do you think they should?
Michelino Iorizzo: Today, galleries are disappearing as social networks and new technologies take their place...
RAP: ...will Art save us?
Michelino Iorizzo: Art is !
iorizzo.com
@michelinoiorizzo