Meet Alessandra Bisi

Meet Alessandra Bisi, an Italian artist whose work beautifully merges the traditional with the digital, addressing social themes with a fresh perspective. Her art, deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Italian painting, challenges the norms of the art market through innovative strategies and digital engagement.

Tower. 2018. Abstract paintings by Alessandra Bisi

Facing the challenges of self-promotion in a competitive environment, Alessandra has adeptly used digital technology to connect with her audience more deeply. Her creations reflect on societal issues, inviting viewers to explore complex emotions and narratives. Continuously evolving, Alessandra is not afraid to experiment with new media and technologies, all while standing strong against the challenges of the Italian art scene. Her journey and dedication to her art speak volumes about her commitment to innovation, community, and the relentless pursuit of expressive freedom.

This detail comes from one of the expansive pieces I created, each dedicated to the various metropolises I've engaged with and lived in for my project. Specifically, this piece is the first of such works, covering an area of about 20 square meters, completed in Rio de Janeiro in 2017.

How has your journey from traditional painting to embracing social themes and digital mediums shaped your artistic voice?

A.B: I view painting as a singular entity, believing that without a grasp of tradition or the language's possibilities, one cannot achieve effective composition and expression. My natural progression towards digital tools was motivated by their ability to offer different outcomes. An artist's intellectual journey begins with their world perception and the desire to express their vision. Thus, the transition from traditional painting to addressing social themes isn't as distinct as one might think. My artistic voice has been shaped more by personal enrichment through new experiences than by these choices alone.

In what ways has the rise of digital technology influenced your creative expression and engagement with your audience?

A.B: Digital technology supplements rather than replaces my physical painting tools, enabling me to explore creative avenues impossible with traditional methods. This enhancement of my artistic capabilities has not diminished my audience's appreciation. They are often more amazed by works that transcend superficiality, which is increasingly sought after and recognized as art.

Facing the unique challenges of the Italian art market, what innovative strategies have you employed to gain visibility and connect with your audience?

A.B: My audience's esteem and support have been constants, despite the Italian market's indifference, which requires nothing beyond costly and continuous self-promotion. Populated by those often unaware of history and hesitant to promote new artists, the market offers me no space. My approach has been to bypass these constraints, focusing instead on consistent production and direct engagement with my audience, wondering how I've managed so far and how I'll continue to do so.

How has the shift towards self-promotion in the absence of gallery support impacted your approach to sharing and selling your art?

A.B: The general misunderstanding of art and the absence of a clear market path have necessitated a shift towards self-promotion, a task complicated by the financial demands of making oneself visible online. This has required a significant investment of time and energy, along with the necessity to learn and do everything independently. The rapid pace of contemporary life contrasts sharply with the slower process of art creation, pushing me towards using social media and platforms more actively.

Can you share how your art reflects on specific societal issues, and what you hope viewers take away from your work?

A.B: My work "Nessun Potere" (No Power) from 2011 serves as an example, blending traditional oil painting with short films to critique contemporary societal issues. It reflects on the paradox of modern poverty, where individuals lack essential resources yet possess modern conveniences. This work questions the relevance of traditional painting techniques in the digital age, finding that the meticulous process of painting requires a reconsideration of daily life, inviting viewers to contemplate the impact of technology and social priorities on their lives.

This is the central panel of the triptych (painting part) of 'Nessun Potere'.

Could you walk us through the process of how an initial concept develops into a completed artwork in your studio?

A.B: My abstract paintings emerge from emotional states, evolving through deliberate planning of color placement and dimensions to become completely independent from reality. Whether aiming to express a specific concept or a mere hint of one, I strive for effectiveness, often pushing the boundaries of clarity. The development of these works is a careful balance of formal and aesthetic decisions, unbound by traditional canons, aiming to fully realize the concept through progressive adjustments.

As you've expanded into different media, what has been the most surprising discovery about the materials or techniques you've employed?

A.B: The discovery that digital technology offers a noble visual language was almost immediate. Its ability to present infinite variations and choices on any created feature far exceeds traditional methods, offering a dynamic shift in the artistic process and the potential for endless exploration.

What do you find most compelling about using abstract art to communicate complex emotions and narratives?

A.B: Abstract art, to me, is akin to music for conveying complex emotions, best suited for capturing feelings without delving into narrative. Emotion and sentiment stand as subjects in their own right, distinct from storytelling, challenging the viewer to engage with art on a more intuitive level.

In an art world that's increasingly complex and competitive, especially within Italy, how do you define success for yourself and your work?

A.B: Success, for me, is defined by a clear understanding of my intentions and methods, along with the reasons behind my artistic endeavors. Although I had hoped for financial stability as a measure of success, my career has instead been marked by continuous challenges, underscoring the reality that success in the arts often transcends financial gain.

Looking to the future, are there particular themes or technologies you're excited to explore in your upcoming projects?

A.B: The potential of artificial intelligence for storytelling through visual art intrigues me, suggesting a future where narrative possibilities expand beyond current limitations. My upcoming projects aim to explore this, with a particular interest in combining writing with visual storytelling to create new, immersive experiences.

What These Words Mean to Alessandra Bisi

Resilience- A reflection or piece that embodies your perseverance and adaptability in the face of the Italian art scene's challenges.

A.B: My Milan studio, devoid of basic amenities like heating and electricity for years, symbolizes my resilience. Despite these hardships, I remain committed to my art and the space that houses it, reflecting my perseverance in the face of adversity.

Innovation- An artwork that showcases how you incorporate digital technologies or new media into your traditional painting practice.

A.B: The "GEO ALTO" cycle represents my innovative approach, where watercolor paintings transform through digital manipulation into something wholly new, exploring perspectives made possible only through modern drone technology.

This is a work from the 'Geo Alto' project. The piece is the result of numerous digital interventions that originated from the image of one of the small 'matrix' paintings.

Community- A piece that reflects on your connection with other artists or the public in navigating the art world without traditional gallery support.

A.B:“MONDO Sì" reflects my engagement with global communities, combining fabric, painting, and found objects to comment on the homogenizing effects of globalization and the shared challenges faced by endangered species, showcasing my belief in art as a tool for fostering community and awareness.

Transformation- A piece that symbolizes the evolution of your art and ideas over the years, highlighting your journey from traditional techniques to embracing a broader palette of expressions.

A.B: My transformative journey is encapsulated in works like "Nessun Potere," "MONDO Sì," and "GEO ALTO," each marking significant shifts in my artistic practice and thematic exploration, from social critique to global interconnectedness and technological experimentation.