Meet The Tomaso Albertini

Tomaso Albertini is an artist working in NYC making stunning three-dimensional portraits. Their technique of layering and sculpting is unique and intriguing. Looking through their works they lead the viewer through playful angles and colors. In our latest interview, we chat with the artist about their process, truths, and lies.

Two Truths and a Lie

(Answers at bottom of the article)

Basketball saved me

Art is always true, art never lies

I love playing poker

Would You Rather

be able to smell the future or hear into the past? Please explain why.

I would rather smell the past because I want to create the future in the present, also it would give me anxiety to listen to the future.

Some questions with Tomaso Albertini

Who has been your biggest support throughout your career?

1My biggest support is without a doubt my wife, Elisabeth. She always encourages me with my art and everything I do. In the past, my grandfather was the one that thought me about art and pushed me to pursue this career

Where would be your dream venue to present a collection?

Mars

How did you come to find your technique working with cardboard to create three-dimensional paintings?

In 2015 when I first arrived in New York, I wanted to create something unique that was a reflection of what I saw and experienced on a daily basis. This specific technique was created in that moment, I used a material that I could find on every corner of the street, for free, and I used it as the essence of my art Cardboard is the product of a consumeristic society, now more than ever. Every item, big or small is shipped in boxes that are then discarded right away. I wanted to give a new life to this material, transforming it from trash to art and giving them a bigger value than what they originally enclosed. This is how my 3D technique came to life, trying to create something completely new and unique.

Can your creative process be broken down into a mathematical formula?

Absolutely, I sign every painting with the formula 1+1=1 For me, this means “think outside of the box”. If we consider that the formula 1+1=2 which is the most elementary mathematical formula is wrong, then we can challenge everything. The world, as we know it, is governed by mathematical theories, but what if these weren’t enough? I'm not talking about quantum or anything else, I'm talking about something in terms of perception that could bring down all our securities. How a worm perceives life is different from how we perceive it and surely there is or will be something or someone for whom we are the worms. If you know what I mean.

Who are other visual artists working in NYC that you admire?

Currently, I think one of the artists who is creating something new and unique is Anna Park And in recent years two of the artists who have given me a lot both on a professional and personal level are my colleagues and friends Kayo Shido and Ian Bertram, with whom I share the studio.

Recently your work has consisted of beautifully abstracted faces. What about the subject matter inspires your work?

This character was born in 2019 with the birth of my first child. It personally has a special value, in fact, there are elements that can be traced back to my present and past. The character has only one eye like my grandfather who has been a very important figure in my life and was like a second father for me. The blue eye is to resemble my wife and son's eyes. The composition of the face changes every time as a reflection of the concept of humanity wearing a mask to which I feel very close. The butterfly ears are the connection between the animal and human world. The fragility of butterfly wings are the deep bond that man and nature must respect. And lastly but perhaps most importantly, this character is the main character of a story that I am writing and that will be written as a comic book that I am also drawing.

How do you want viewers to interact with your work?

What I want from those who observe my works is not only aesthetics but an understanding of the character. This is why I wrote the story so that my work also has an added value.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Everyone is welcome to come to visit my art studio in New York City! Something new is coming… Ciao!

Two truths and a lie answer key:

Truth: Basketball saved me

Lie: Art is always true, art never lies

Truth: I love playing poker

Tomaso Albertini