“The MA course was structured incredibly well, we were blitzed with information which was then cleverly filtered with help of the tutors to suit our individual needs […] I found the teaching to be supportive, kind and critical in equal measure and also well timed”
What was your background before starting the course and what attracted you to study at the Art School?
I had classical art training in Italy for four years, mainly as a portrait painter, and had attempted move away from portraits before starting MA.
I was attached first of all by the staff to pupil ratio and the style of teaching: I was at a pretty delicate moment in my art making and lots of attention and support was crucial.
What aspects of the course did you most enjoy and benefit from?
First of all the exposure to art and galleries that I had previously not known. The MA course was structured incredibly well, we were blitzed with information which was then cleverly filtered with help of the tutors to suit our individual needs. I was given confidence to carry out the ideas I had begun to cement and was questioned on the bad ones! The print room and tutors were excellent, I discovered etching which is something I continue to use in my practise a lot.
I had really dropped painting all together at that stage and so was making kinetic sculptures, photographs, drawings and etchings, all of which I was encouraged to do and made to understand the context within which I was making them.
I found the teaching to be supportive, kind and critical in equal measure and also well timed.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I have had a really exciting and full international career showing work all over the world, from New York, LA, South Korea, Italy, Berlin and London.
My work has been shown in cultural institutions and commercial galleries, and I had works purchased by important private and public collections (including New York Public Library, New York; Deutsche Bank Collection, London; The Library of Congress Collection, Washington D.C.). I have been curating shows in Berlin, and I am currently represented by Parafin gallery in London and Project gallery in Milan
Why do you think Fine Art matters?
For many reasons, but increasingly because a context of freedom and uniqueness is beginning to be found less and less.
