Prisma Art Prize | Andrea Loi

Andrea Loi Ritratto virile, 2024, olio su tela, 25x20cm

Andrea Loi: “I’ve always loved the smell of oil, the brilliance of pigments, the wonder and discovery of transparencies. Now I choose it because it’s challenging. The technical complexity of oil and tempera gives you the possibility to paint without really knowing what you’re doing. “

by Marco Crispano

How and why did you start your artistic career?

With the naivety of a child who keeps hearing “what a beautiful drawing!”, until someone even asks “how much does it cost?”.

How did you discover your medium and why did you choose it?

By buying it, receiving it, studying it, and trying it. Initially the choice was simply erotic. I’ve always loved the smell of oil, the brilliance of pigments, the wonder and discovery of transparencies. Now I choose it because it’s challenging. The technical complexity of oil and tempera gives you the possibility to paint without really knowing what you’re doing. You end up doing something new without even wanting to.

Can you tell us about your creative process? How does your work come to life? How long does it take you to create a piece? When do you know it is finished?

I make a few sketches, prepare some canvases, some color and start painting. The usual things, basically. Ideas, however, come in all ways, drawing, talking with someone, seeing some painting, reading, but never thinking.

Working on color stratifications, a single painting can take even a couple of months due to drying times, but I always work on multiple canvases simultaneously. Usually a work is finished when I have nothing else to add.

Who are your favorite artists? Which ones are you inspired by?

I try to see all artists, or rather, all works. You need to nourish your gaze. Cima da Conegliano was undoubtedly important for my work, but I wouldn’t say he’s among my favorite artists. I love Schifano, but I don’t think it shows in my paintings.

THE ARTIST