Art is about reflecting reality. While art may reflect reality, it also acts as an expression of imagination. Giulio Rangoni is one such artist, who exemplifies the same. Being raised in Italy, Giulio moved to USA when he was 19 for studying entrepreneurship and innovation. Here’s his views and story as an artist.
Q. How did your journey as an artist begin?
Giulio: It was at a very early age as my family were having an atelier at our house in Italy, I used to paint acrylic on canvases, as I was obsessing on the monster figures from my imagination. During my teenage years I picked up urban photography and I have always wanted a way to connect to these different artistic worlds that coexisted in my mind. After this period, I have focused on digital collages which you can find now on my Instagram account “ @kant_onata “
Q. What are the different forms of artworks that you do?
Giulio: I have been working on the digital collages which is a mix of drawing, old paintings, photography and random fantasy elements. It gives me the possibility to express myself freely and once my digital works is done, I paint them on canvas to create the final piece.
Q. What does your work aim to say?
Giulio: “ @kant_onata “ is an artistic project that explores the relationship between accelerating technological progress creating the basis for material advancements and the struggle of humanity to find its personal and cultural identity in this new fast-paced and changing world.
Q. What is that one line of quote that you abide by in your life or you would like others to follow?
Giulio: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” -John Lennon. I feel being curious and also taking a flexible approach toward what happens to us is the best strategy to tackle life. Random little events can have quite the effect and it is important to recognize small clues as to when they can start a transformation process in our lives.
Q. Please tell us a bit about an artwork of yours that you are immensely proud of?
Giulio: The covid series are the works that introduced so many people to. I received a lot of unexpected attention and my followers kept texting me that they could relate their very own experience throughout my work. That was something that happens quite rarely and I received it quite well.
See Giulio Rangoni’s work on Instagram at: @kant_onataA rtist Stories.
Q. How have you been keeping up during the pandemic and what are the new things that you have started?
Giulio: My Covid series are one of the digital collages series to make the observer reflect on this pandemic. The aim is to draw a connecting line between the old masterpieces of the past and our current situation in a humorous yet sophisticated way. Putting things into perspective by combining elements and experiences, by not just pointing out similarities but also highlighting differences is something that I have been focusing upon with them.
Q. What is that one question that you would have asked yourself and we haven’t yet?
Giulio: Since a long time ago art has always been a passion of mine but it was never a full-time job. I wonder if one day it will take a more prevalent part in my life.
Q. What are the best resources that have helped you in your way?
Giulio: A friend of mine,” Mr.Matt Dilapo” was a key figure for the realization of the covid series. During quarantine which we spent in Spain, we used to interrogate ourselves all the time and come up with ideas envisioning pieces that would be both POP and recognizable but also trigger questions, inner reflections and emotions to the observer.
Q. According to you, how important are Virtual Exhibitions in the present-day world?
Giulio: Virtual exhibitions are a great way to keep people involved in the art scene. I feel both artists and spectators have a great opportunity to stay in touch and make new experiences thanks to this new technology. Virtual expositions make art more accessible to the public, in addition artists can reach larger audience without being tied up geographically.
Q. How do you feel being the Featured Artist in the Magazine?
Giulio: It is a brand-new experience for me. I am super-excited and looking forward to it and I am grateful for this opportunity given to me by MAGZOID.
Q. What message and advice do you have for the readers?
Giulio: Art is often perceived as something distant, at times inaccessible. It is not like that at all. You can start from simpler ideas and inspiration is present everywhere. Concentrate on your intuition and get moving, by following this approach you will figure out things along the way.