Renowned for his captivating creations that blur the boundaries between art and mysticism, Riccardo Gil Ferraro, known simply as Gil in the artistic realm, stands as a visionary beacon in the contemporary art world. Illuminated by a fervent passion for historical narratives and the enigmatic depths of the soul, Gil’s artistic journey unfolds like an intricate tapestry of profound introspection and creative exploration.
pen on paper, 20 x 15 cm
pen on paper, 20 x 15 cm
Hailing from the prestigious Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Gil’s artistic foundation is a testament to his dedication to the craft of painting and his relentless pursuit of artistic evolution. Currently based in the vibrant city of Pavia, Gil’s studio serves as a sanctuary where the echoes of ancient civilizations harmonize with the vibrant pulse of modernity, giving rise to a unique artistic expression that transcends temporal boundaries.
Drawing inspiration from the dreamlike allure of Surrealism and the fragmented complexities of collage work, Gil’s early artistic explorations laid the groundwork for a deeper dive into the rich tapestries of art history. Delving into the narratives of medieval art, each brushstroke became a storyteller, weaving together threads of ancient wisdom and forgotten cultures into a visual symphony of transcendental beauty. However, it was in the unseen realms of the mind and spirit that Gil’s art truly found its voice. Through the sacred practice of meditation and the contemplation of ancient cults, Gil encountered a mysterious entity known as Aibek – a daimonic presence that transcends conventional notions of identity. Veiled in enigma and radiating with an otherworldly luminosity, the daimon emerged as a spectral guide, beckoning individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
In Gil’s artistic tapestry, the daimon exists as a smoky presence, fluid and ethereal, blurring the boundaries between the self and the divine. Beyond the constraints of form and gender, the daimon whispers truths long forgotten, leading seekers into the depths of the soul where hidden treasures await discovery.
As Gil continues to navigate the uncharted waters of spirituality and artistic expression, his creations stand as testaments to the power of introspection and the boundless depths of human potential. Through the lens of diligent meditation and unwavering dedication to inner exploration, Gil invites viewers to join him on a journey of self-discovery, where the mysteries of the past converge with the eternal truths of the soul, unveiling a world of beauty and wonder waiting to be explored.
acrylic on canvas, 2023
5 ART QUESTIONS WITH RICCARDO GIL FERRARO
Your artistic journey is a fascinating blend of influences, from Surrealism to medieval art and the study of ancient cultures. How do these various inspirations converge in your creative process, and how do they manifest in the visual language and themes of your artworks, illustrations, and other creative endeavors?
Surrealism is important to me in the measure in which it encapsulates the more than real, the divine, the occult, the esoteric. In the world’s mythologies I found my inspiration, through syncretism I find the motivation to experiment everchanging subjects. The first collages I made (2013) where a direct and simple way of approaching art, since at the time I was a total outsider. Now that I learned to express my symbols through drawing, pen/pencil and paper are my preferred technique by a long shot. The way in which I approach the composition is still very “collagey” though, that’s just the way my imaginative mind thinks. Medieval artwork is a great example of painted collages, and a lot of folk art is too. Histories are in general some big collages of symbology.
The concept of the daimon, particularly your personal daimon named Aibek, adds a mystical and introspective dimension to your work. Can you delve deeper into how the daimon serves as a source of inspiration and guidance in your artistic explorations, and how it shapes the narratives and symbolism in your creations?
Well, daimon is an ample definition to indicate your own personal internal fire. And it is ever changing and so very much important. At the beginning of my esoteric voyage I explored my internal conscience, linked to the spiritual world. I found two entities, indicating the same thing (myself): their names were Aibek and Amaris (or so I liked to call them, but I could call them both Gil). Masculine and feminine, each with different suggestions and each gave me knowledge of myself and consequently of my art. Meditation is a great way to communicate with your deep self and with the gods. It just enables you to find out what you hold true or not and pursue it in your art journey. The feminine, the goddess, is one of the most recurring subjects of my creations, the most spiritual and emotional side of the composition. The masculine, the god, is usually represented with horns, or as an animal, the most physical part of the composition.
Meditation and the exploration of ancient cults are integral to your artistic practice. How do these practices contribute to your mental and spiritual well-being as an artist, and in what ways do they inform the symbolism, colors, and textures that define your visual art and custom tattoos?
Keeping a viable and strong connection with the gods is an integral part of my well being and I manifest it through my daily drawing practice, that could be flavoured with painting and music. The rituals help me concentrate on what I really care about and that transpires through the subjects I choose to represent.
Your repertoire includes not only paintings and art shows but also illustrations, music, fantasy stories, and tattoos. How do you approach the translation of your artistic vision and the essence of the daimon across these different mediums, and what unique strengths or challenges do you encounter when expressing your creativity through such diverse channels?
Working across various mediums is essential to keep creating. When you are blocked in one field you can just approach the matter with a different medium and keep on going. Tattoos though are quite a different story (for what I lived in my short experience in that world) because they are directly realized to be of the client’s taste and that strongly limits creativity.
The deeply personal nature of your artistic exploration, intertwined with themes of inner reflection and connection with ancient wisdom, undoubtedly evokes profound emotions in viewers and clients. How do you navigate the balance between sharing your intimate journey through art and creating spaces for others to resonate with their own inner selves and narratives when engaging with your work?
I hope that it evokes emotions! I strongly believe in a shared and collective consciousness that shares symbols and archetypes. So, in a way, I hope that what speaks to me can speak to any other similar minded person.
pen on paper, 20 x 15 cm
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