In conversation with Artist Christina Galbiati
NY-ARTNEWS: What is the whole idea which you are trying to convey through your artwork to the viewer?
CG: I’m transfixed on society’s increasing reliance on digital media and I feel strongly that tangible communication should be celebrated and preserved—I employ a deeply personal collage process to support this belief.
NY-ARTNEWS: You have been working on a wide range of subjects on your art pieces, which one is your most favorite subject? And Why?
CGi: My opinions surrounding social and political issues are an intrinsic part of my disposition; these works are the most fulfilling to create because my parents encouraged me to speak my mind—I am proud that I am creating a visual legacy and paying homage to them. I also love creating unique form of familiar image with my graphic/illustrative pieces because of my design background.
NY-ARTNEWS: How do you feel while creating the artworks? What kind of mood do you depict in your works?
CG: I feel a range of emotion—joyful, energetic, anxiousness, anger—which is usually directed by subject matter. With my social/political subjects my intention is to incite one mood—exasperation or exhilaration; with my graphic/illustrative work, the subjects are usually disarming or familiar, so my intention is to evoke a more cordial-tranquil mood.
NY-ARTNEWS: What process do you follow to create the artwork? Is it spontaneous or do you plan all the steps in advance?
CG: It’s a combination; because of my graphic design background I often plan, sketch, determine color palette, and curate material for repeating process. There are occasions when I don’t plan as much, which is more for my social art and acrylic application; I feel spontaneity better supports the content of those works.
NY-ARTNEWS: Talking about color scheme of your works, black color can be seen as base color of almost all of your artworks, what makes you so passionate about this color?
CG: Symbolically the black (on white background pieces specifically) helps evoke a mood / reaction as mentioned earlier. In addition, black represents ink which directly correlates with print communication. There is also a practical aspect, which is simply to help the viewer see the unique roughness and beauty of the type or image pattern.
NY-ARTNEWS: What has been your motivation behind your concept of tangible communication?
CG: The reason I decided to study graphic design (I was an undergrad in the mid ‘90s) was to study print, typography and editorial design. Then the web evolved and I became disillusioned—print projects were beginning (and still are) taking a back seat to intangible screen-based media — I am internally resisting succumbing to this transition. As a result (in the mid ‘00s) I began experimenting with xerography; it’s cathartic, and the ideal metaphorical process to support my belief.
NY-ARTNEWS: You seem very passionate about the material you use while creating your artworks. Which material has had the greatest impacts on the audience so far?
CG: The greatest impact is paper and how I deliberately manipulate the tactile and visual attributes. Also, the way I employ acrylic (usually impasto, for my social work) — this ostentatious application aligns with the subject and makes quite an impression as well.
NY-ARTNEWS: What were the subjects of focus for your past few Exhibitions? Why these topics?
CG: There was not a specific theme for the Clio Art Fair, but it was the ideal entity and location to introduce my modern, narrative-inspired “Dreams” project. For “Words and Images,” since the subject was artists who utilize type-form, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase my aesthetic.
NY-ARTNEWS: What are the new creations which are taking place in your studio currently?
CG: First, I’d like to acknowledge my effort as a college professor (I’ve been teaching adjunct graphic design classes for several years); there is no better feeling in this world than making an impact and inspiring students to pursue their artistic endeavors—this is my most important “creation”.
Regarding my personal work: “Dreams” is a series of images inspired by a melodic-rhyming story that I wrote; this project is ongoing. I also illustrated and wrote two children’s book stories (currently pitching); and have recently devoted time to create new social/political art. Overall, I feel it’s important to not become “pigeonholed” and have a special affinity for creating cross-disciplinary projects—I credit my graphic design experience for inspiring me to work in this manner.
NY-ARTNEWS: Do you see any impact of the present time scenario on your artworks?
CG:The reliance on intangible communication is even more prevalent now than when I began creating my art, so yes, the present time definitely impacts the meaning of my work. In addition, the current mood of the country is tumultuous—I have a plethora of inspiration to draw upon to create new work.