Inside the Studio: Camilla Ancilotto
Camilla Ancilotto, an Italian artist whose works blend the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and interactivity, has captivated art enthusiasts worldwide. Known for her iconic modular designs, vibrant polychrome sculptures, and ecological themes, Camilla's creations invite viewer participation and inspire profound reflections on humanity's relationship with nature. In this exclusive interview, she shares the inspirations, philosophies, and processes behind her groundbreaking works, offering a glimpse into her artistic world.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Camilla Ancilotto :
1. Your work often bridges the gap between painting and sculpture, incorporating interactive elements. What inspired you to create art that encourages viewer participation?
When I was a child, I loved reading Librogame books. A Librogame is a gamebook, a work of printed fiction that allows the reader to participate in the story. This surely inspired me and instilled a certain forma mentis, as it were—creating artwork (just as the author of Librogame did for his readers) that engages the viewer and allows interaction. The goal is to let the viewer participate in the creative process.
2. The theme of harmony between humans and nature is a recurring motif in your work. Can you share how this connection influences your creative process and the stories you aim to convey?
Through my art, I always seek to portray harmony between man and nature because man, without nature, cannot survive. Nature is essential and indispensable to man—not just as a habitat but as a source of nourishment, energy, harmony, and peace. However, this relationship has changed over time. Anthropocentrism has led nature to be increasingly subjected to and subjugated by man as an object of power and control. I believe it’s crucial to recognize that man forms an integral part of nature's system, rather than dominating it.
3. Your modular polychrome works inspired by the Tangram puzzle are fascinating. How did you conceptualize and develop the Ab Ovo series?
The Ab Ovo series began taking shape in 2017 during my solo exhibition Mutaforma at the Museo di Arte Contemporanea di Spoleto. Artists exhibiting at the museum were invited to create site-specific installations. Carefully analyzing my designated space, I crafted vibrant polychrome sculptures in line with my playful, interactive style.
The philosophy underpinning Ab Ovo revolves around Creation, using the egg as a symbol of genetic origins. This multiform installation reinterprets the Chinese Tangram puzzle—the "Seven Stones of Wisdom"—by replacing the square structure with an oval, evoking a more organic form. The imagery of the egg and snake refers to cosmology and alchemy, portraying the dualities underpinning universal creation.
4. Could you walk us through your artistic process, especially when creating your iconic rotating parallelepiped pieces? What challenges do you encounter while working on such intricate designs?
I derive inspiration from current events, elaborate upon them, and transfer them to my works. While the style of the rotating parallelepiped pieces is contemporary and unique, the technique employed remains faithful to tradition. My educational background in classical Western art and the Old Masters plays a significant role in shaping these creations.
5. Your early works, like Original Sin and Deposizione, gained international recognition. How do you reflect on these pieces now, and how have they shaped your artistic journey?
Original Sin and Deposizione are monumental works inspired by German pedagogue Friedrich Fröbel’s theories. Fröbel’s “Gifts,” including cubes, spheres, and cylinders, were tools for children’s learning and creativity. These ambitious pieces were daring at the time—Original Sin featured at the Biennale di Scultura di Roma, while Deposizione was showcased at the 55th Biennale di Venezia in collaboration with Save the Children Italia. It’s gratifying to see both works acquired by prestigious museums in Miami and Athens.
6. You often explore topics of ecology and global issues through your art. How do current world events impact the themes you choose to explore?
As I mentioned earlier, I believe the artist serves as a vehicle for conveying the essence of current events and historical developments. The artist’s work can be likened to refraction in physics—a wave's change in direction as it passes through different media. Similarly, art transforms and transmits the complexities of our world.
7. Collaborations seem to play an integral role in your work, especially when producing large-scale sculptures. How do you approach working with other artisans and specialists in your projects?
My works involve mechanisms that are both simple and highly sophisticated. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with exceptional Italian companies and artisans. For example, Poignée, a creative artisan company in Rome, has produced pieces for the Vatican, including papal stems for Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Italy continues to harbor artisans who keep traditional craftsmanship alive.
8. As an artist with a classical training background, which historical or contemporary artists influence your practice the most, and how do their works resonate with your own?
I’ve always drawn inspiration from Renaissance masters, particularly the Mannerists like Michelangelo, Pontormo, and Rosso Fiorentino. I see tradition as a dynamic sphere for experimentation—a gateway to contemporary avant-gardes. Looking to the past allows me to improve myself today and reinvent myself for the future. As psychologist and essayist James Hillman said, “The old, real or perceived as it may be, will save our world that is overly thirsty for the new.”
9. What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to establish themselves in the art industry?
This is a popular question today. Working as an artist is challenging, especially in times of economic crises, pandemics, wars, and other destabilizing events. These challenges impact the art market, which is not a necessity. Despite setbacks, it’s vital to persist and move forward. In an age of AI, I believe it’s especially important to champion artistic and artisanal practices that machines cannot replicate.
Camilla Ancilotto’s art is a symphony of innovation, tradition, and interaction. By bridging classical influences with contemporary themes, she creates works that challenge and inspire, urging viewers to reflect on their role in the world and their connection to nature. Her unwavering dedication to artistry serves as a beacon for future generations, proving that creativity is both a personal and collective journey.
You can learn more about Camilla Ancilotto’s and her work via these links:
Website: https://www.camillaancilotto.com/
Instagram: @camilla_ancilotto
LinkedIn: @Camilla Ancilotto
Artsy: @Camilla Ancilotto
Commentaires