Alberto Petrivelli was born in Orvieto, Italy. Owing to his father’s work, he moved from town to town for the first decade of his life, settling in Tuscany, where he grew up and stayed until his early 20’s. He moved to London in 2003; his early work was mostly abstract, acrylics on canvas.
His unique use of mixed media began in 2010 that became his mark through building on reconstructed canvas, use of iron, steel, synthetics, natural fabrics, resins, acrylic and oil paint. These materials are then shaped out of the canvas into sculptures.
The main concept of his work is a study and expression of the human consciousness and the process of our minds behind every single thought, and how we experiencing time and space. His art is constantly reshaping itself, trying to find and identifying the true identity and meaning of our existences and lives.
“I believe it is up to all of us, in every kind of expressions, to elevate our lives from the materialistic needs and possessions and it is crucial to raise to a state of cultural and spiritual values, with my work I am projecting my perception of the connection between human beings and the universe. Due to the limitation of our senses and the limitation of our capacity to handle knowledge, I believe there are many realities that surround us that we cannot perceive; art, in any forms and levels, is a gate to the truth…or at least one of them”.
Self-taught or art school?
Self-taught.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
“Autumn Rhythm” by Jackson Pollock.
How would you describe your style?
3D Visual Art and Sculpting abstract art.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
At first, I draw on the canvas the main structuring elements of the idea, right after I cut small parts of iron which will create the foundation of the work. According to the final idea, I apply the chosen fabric (usually silk as the lightest and softer). After that, there the application of colours and resins, sometimes simultaneously, sometimes singularly.
Is narrative important within your work?
I believe narrative is important but not fundamental.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Enrico Castellani, Lucio Fontana, Jackson Pollock, J.M.W. Turner, David Hockney are my favourite artists. Their works express movement, life, shadows and most importantly, their works “show” what is not visible to the eye. Also, they are pioneers of the major art movements which to me is important.
What or who inspires your art?
Human emotions are the brightest source of inspiration, human consciousness and the connection to the universe. Social-political events obviously contribute to the realisation of many works.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is at home and I love it; it’s facing a massive window and outside there is a beautiful tree. It is pretty organised and I tidy up most of the time but that’s because of my OCD and if there is anything not in its place, I cannot work. There is this old red couch where I sit or lay down during the process, where I observe the progress of the work…
Do you have any studio rituals?
I have a few playlists which I play according to the mood and the piece I am working on as ritual before I start; a cup of coffee next to me in the morning is a must. The phone is on silent, no distractions are crucial! I also make sure that there is a large quantity of wine at home before I start any work, as sometimes I may not get out for days…
What are you working on currently?
At the moment I am working on a new idea I have had during one of my latest works, minimalistic representation of a woman’s body.
Where can we buy your art?
If interested, people can contact me directly via my website and social media links. Also, I have more than 25 works spread around London in restaurants and venues; some of them are for sale too.
