Marta Mattioli’s multidimensional approach blends digital innovation with tactile expression, inviting viewers into a realm where conceptual narratives intertwine with sensory experiences.

At the forefront of contemporary artistic inquiry stands Marta, a visionary whose journey weaves through the dual landscapes of heritage and technology. Inspired by the lush vistas of Perugia and the dynamic cultural currents of Bucharest, Marta's work transcends traditional boundaries. Her fusion of digital mediums and tactile materials evokes profound introspection, exploring themes of humanity's intersection with technology and nature. With affiliations at Catinca Tabacaru Gallery and a portfolio rich in conceptual depth, Marta invites audiences to embark on a journey where innovation meets introspection, forging new frontiers in artistic expression.

Unveiling Marta's Artistic Process and Vision

Marta, Let's begin with you introducing yourself. Please take us through your background.

Growing up in both Italy and Romania has profoundly influenced my development. I spent my childhood years in Perugia before moving to Eastern Europe. Currently, I am based in Bucharest, where I engage with the emerging art scene, contributing through my involvement with Catinca Tabacaru Gallery, Atelier 35, and RAD Art Fair.

During my childhood in Italy, I was deeply inspired by the infinite, flourishing environment of my surroundings. These early experiences have left a mark on my work, which often incorporates natural elements as a way to offer viewers a glimpse of the timeless reality I strive to construct. This has been complemented by a long-time love for sci-fi films and futurism, along with a curiosity about the deeper aspects of our being.

My curiosity for exploring various mediums started in my teenagehood, as I experimented with painting, digital, video, and sound. I continued my studies at the National University of Arts in Bucharest, and the desire to understand multiple ways of expression persisted to the point that to further develop my technical skills, I completed an internship at Ubisoft and spent a year studying landscape architecture to seek a deeper understanding of botany and spatiality.

This foundation still shapes my practice, enabling me to engage in a variety of paths such as visual art, graphic design, and art direction.

Let's understand the importance of innovative mediums, expressions, and narratives in the contemporary art scene. Why is it important to speculate and experiment, and how does it impact our creative and artistic cognition?

I find it amazing how the contemporary art scene is evolving, driven by individuals constantly seeking new ways to express our current condition and the issues we face. Innovation often hides in the uniqueness of each one, and it is crucial to value this.

The act of transferring ideas from concept to different ways of being can open up new ways of understanding. This process helps you to explore and discover another perspective on your practice. For instance, when you move an idea from a framework into a tangible medium, you engage with it in a new way. Each medium brings with it a unique identity, imbuing the concept with a specific meaning and depth that might not be evident in its original form, creation is limitless.

Your work has been a blend of digital and experiential mediums with tactile materials that have a tint of conceptual narratives. What goes behind you working on your respective artworks, Can you take us through your artistic and creative process?

I’ve always strived to embody both the material and the intangible aspects of the digital in my work, from both conceptual and practical perspectives. My inspiration starts from posthuman ideas, particularly Rosi Braidotti’s concepts of becoming a machine, becoming a ground, an animal. I view this blend as a hybrid, formed at the intersection of human nature, technology, and digital culture.

The process begins with a concept that often arises from a question or an observation about our current state, identity, and interplay with machines. I then use digital to create simulations, which serve as experimental spaces where I can manipulate and explore these ideas further. These digital

Simulations are not just preparatory sketches, they are integral to the development of the final work. They allow me to visualize interactions and transformations that might be impossible to achieve through traditional methods. Once I have a clear vision of the concept, I determine the best medium to express it. Sometimes, the digital form itself is the best way to convey the idea. In my view, the digital medium is the perfect mediator between mind and matter.

You have done sculptural pieces as well, please talk about metal and its role in your artistic expression. Why metal and how does it complement your narrative and what difficulties do you undergo?

Metal has always captivated me, not only as a fundamental medium and futuristic reference but also for its aesthetic appeal, unique properties, and history. Being integral to our daily lives, used in the fabrication of devices, machines, and various elements that support our infrastructure. I think that we often overlook its importance, much like we forget that our bodies cannot produce enough red blood cells without iron. Another reason for my fascination lies in its cosmic origins, from stellar nucleosynthesis to supernovae, particularly nickel, which is one of the main metals I use in my sculptures.

My first encounter with it was from the outset of 3D compositions, where metal has been a key component. I initially faced difficulties when I made the first attempt to translate my digital pieces into physical metal. This process demanded a lot of patience and time to fully understand the properties, process, and sometimes the limits, which ultimately shaped the results of my sculptures. In the beginning, it was a purely experimental try that lasted nearly a year until I achieved the results of my current series. The objective was to make the physical sculptures as close as possible to their digital counterparts, searching for metals with the right properties to resemble the shape. It was a challenging process, and I am grateful to the amazing technicians who patiently helped me learn all the necessary aspects.

You had your very first solo ‘Metallic Taste of Patience’ Please tell us what it was all about and what influenced you to work on it the way you did.

‘Metallic Taste of Patience’ represents a key moment where the diverse ideas and mediums I've explored over the years come together to form a unified vision of my practice. The solo show is structured around presenting the sculptures in both their digital and physical forms, connected by two metal wall pieces featuring text excerpts from our daily interfaces—the “seen” and “reload” icons. A transition between the digital state, the screen as a projection of our desire, and the physicality represented by the corporal presence of the sculptures. The digital state includes contemplative animations where the sculptures endlessly compose and decompose organically. By focusing on specific parts of the human body—the heart, spine, and coxal bone—the sculptures are transformed into altered renditions that emphasize their intangible essence, offering a new perspective on the temptations that drive our contemporary vices and creating a space for reflection on our increasingly dissonant and dystopian realities.

Your art exudes a zen and calm emotions and feelings. Why do you think it is so? What is the catalyst? The zen atmosphere is shaped by the contemplative environments I create, infinite spaces that blend altered life with influences from natural and sci-fi landscapes. Inspired by vast terrains— both barren yet fertile for growth—I want people to experience a sense of calmness and clarity when engaging with them. This is also how I feel when I create, I think mentally I’m often there.

Shout out to music artists that are at the top of your Spotify list. But talk about the kind of music that helps you in your art studio. The music that helps me in the studio is made by the artists who are also at my top usually, it changes depending on my state of mind and mood. Lately, I've been enjoying Arca's discography, along with Eartheater, Sevdaliza, Kelsey Lu, Laurel Halo, and Yullola. I'm always on the lookout for new artists whose music enhances and complements my ideas.

Last but not least, What's coming next? Anything you'd like to announce?

I’m preparing for my upcoming solo show this autumn at Catinca Tabacaru Gallery, which will expand on the concepts explored in ‘Metallic Taste of Patience.’

This refined version enhances the artistic essence of Marta's journey, offering readers a deeper immersion into her visionary approach to contemporary art.

MATTIOLI MARTA

Interview JAGRATI MAHAVER