Gioele Amaro’s paintings balance the “painterly” aspect of traditional painting with a purely digital approach, not necessarily trying to trick the viewer, but to meld the two into a state of both digital composition and painting in almost equal measure. Find more at his Instagram, link below!
Can you tell me a little bit about you?
I’m an Italian artist (33 yo) living in Paris! I had an architect education and worked 3 years for Jean Nouvel before making installations for other artists in big galleries (like Almine Rech, Gagosian).
When did you first discover art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
I started to understand that I could be an artist when the artists I worked with seemed less motivated and good than me :)))))))))
I have been painting since I was 5 years old, so I have never really asked myself this question, I only discovered that I could make money by doing something that I did not consider tiring. A real surprise!
What do you like most about working where you do?
Paris is a city that makes things happen … if you do not sleep! If many painters, poetic, and political movements were born here there will be a reason right? But the explanation is sometimes inexplicable rationally. If you fall in love with a city then this love comes back to you, as happens with people. But sometimes the gray of the sky makes you want to exaggerate with bright colors!
What ideas are you exploring in your practice?
For my last exhibition in Paris, I used an old abstract drawing, that I used as a basis for all the paintings.
What is your process like?
I’m a digital painter so I do print (inkjet) on canvas, but I like to give the impression that they are “real” paintings… no one has ever guessed that they are not “painted” paintings. It excites me to create this illusion.
Is there any subject or theme you’ve been particularly interested in lately?
Digital offers endless opportunities… I would like to continue working on the theme of identity.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever had to do for art?
Smiling to collectors, even for not funny jokes :))))
Do you have a day job or other work that you split your time between?
Really hard question. Sometimes I try to have some discipline, sometimes I like to do not have the knowledge of time!
What does it mean to you to have a “community?”
I think Instagram has changed the rules of the game, and you can feel like family with someone you’ve never met just because you feel close to their style or themes.
What is your studio like?
I live in the center of Oaris (lucky me) in Saint Germain de Pres… very clichè… But I’m a digital artist, so my studio does not seem like a classical art studio
Do you have any routines or rituals in the studio that get you into the mode or mindset to make your work?
Coffee, classical music, Netflix, Google images 🙂
What do you find most daunting, challenging, or frustrating about pursuing art?
You’re always able to express your creativity. Seeing your art touch someone’s soul and working with beauty anytime you want 🙂
How would you define “success” in art?
When you can reach a large number of people… art can change the world. Being able to move people intellectually or emotionally through something you’ve made. Defeating personal insecurity is the first step to success.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve done or accomplished so far, related to your work?
As an architect I worked for one of the biggest architecture firms in Europe and traveled everywhere. I worked for the new Louvre
Abu Dhabi, and other amazing museums around the world.
What are you working on right now?
My solo show in Paris just finished so I will start to work soon…. but the head of an artist never stops thinking about art.
Find more at Instagram @gioeleamaro!
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