Salvatore Esposito is an Italian artist, based in London, UK. Born and raised in Naples, Italy. He had to live with the very concept of discarded and recycled material. The fact knowing what is the art and what is considered just discarded material has always been one of Salvatore’s interests. That is why he tends to use up-cycled materials in almost all his works, trying to picture an abstract, architectural urban view.
Artist: Salvatore Esposito
Based in London, United Kingdom
Instagram:
salvatore_esposito_artworks
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Hidden Eyes", April 15-May 27 2022, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
I work quite instinctively. Normally the collections are created respecting a certain form or a concept that is in common. When I finish the whole process and distance myself from the work, that is when I actually start noting the theme behind the project. But I usually start with no specific intention in mind, it’s merely a necessity that I feel to create something different.
To me paintings are like memories, some are very remote ones. The fact is I believe abstract art goes beyond physical and direct visual messages. Its main conceptual intention might be just to create a feeling, a sensation that most possibly transmits most directly to the viewer. Maybe that’s why most of my works are actually entitled “Untitled”, because I believe anyone can see whatever he/she wants in abstract art. Giving a title, you actually force the viewer to search for a certain concept. The viewer should be able to spot the concept and gain an emotion without any command from the part of the artist.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Undoubtedly the works of Alberto Burri and Kurt Schwitters have the most effect on my work. I’ve learned and been inspired by every work of these masters. Schwitters was the very first artist who really shocked me with his artworks, there were objects of everyday life included in his painting. That is the same thing that I try to do in my work. I believe any object that comes into your hands, influences your experience of life. While coming across the works of Burri to me was like finding my soulmate. His work, his way of using material, has surely inspired me more than anything else. Apart from that, what most influenced me was Dadaism. I’d love to define myself as a post-Dadaist.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
I started quite late in 2004. I do remember once that I had merely two bottles of 1 liter gouache color, one yellow and one red (the kind of product destined to children). At some point, I needed black and I used VHS video tapes instead. I wasn’t thinking, it was all emotional and instinctive. Later on, I started to use objects found during my long walks in the city; most of these objects were left as trash outside of the houses; they were unwanted items. The most insane part of the work was that after finishing and completing the work, I used to place the painting out beside the trash bin again and used to watch curiously to see if I can spot anyone who can note that very painting as a piece of art, regardless of the location it’s been exposed in; that meant practically exhibiting in the streets and not in the gallery. So again I think the city was my real school.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
As mentioned before, I don't intend to pose any conceptual boundary. And therefore, I'm not intentionally confronting or challenging any barrier.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
I really hope that I can establish myself as an abstract artist. In the end I believe creating is what I love to do and I think I'm good at it.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
I really don't feel like I can give any specific advice but the only thing I can think of is just to continue working, practicing despite discouragement.
