17 September 2024

by st-Art

Alberto Ballocca

Alberto Ballocca is a self-taught artist living in Turin, who has forged a creative journey that intertwines his roots, personal experiences, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. At the age of 19, Ballocca began his artistic journey, allowing his creative instincts to flow freely. In 2018, he decides to quit his job and dedicate himself completely to the the pursuit of his artistic career and exploration. 

Ballocca’s father was an artisan, and his upbringing was infused with academic values, even if not directly tied to the realm of art. Early on, his mechanical and electrotechnical experiences became catalysts for transmuting technical operations into acts of creativity, shaping the foundations of his artistic practice.

Before formally entering the art scene, Ballocca independently delved into the roots of contemporary arts, philosophies, and the natural world. Elements and archetypal dimensions within his own cognitive processes became points of reference, finding their fullest expression in art. Ballocca’s work is a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences, ranging from ancient cultures and myths to the writings of Plato, experimental rap, and jazz music.

His engagement with ancient cultures extends beyond the canvas. Ballocca proudly supports the archaeological project Medjehu in Egypt, contributing to the research of ancient woodcraft networks. This collaboration not only informs his work but also aligns him with the global community of scholars and researchers.

His art has been exhibited in New York, London, Turin, Rome, and Amsterdam since 2018, earning a place in private collections, including the esteemed Museo mmac of Paestum-Capaccio in Italy. Some of his works exist as an NFT as well. 

Ballocca’s creative process is a fascinating blend of mediums and materials. In his paintings, layers of acrylics, oil, pastels, natural pigments, and free-hand charcoal drawings converge to create intricate compositions. For his sculptures, he repurposes ferrous waste, electronic materials, wood, and elements found in nature, melding them with clay, gesso, marble, or road concrete.

      

The subjects of Ballocca’s paintings often draw from mythology and philosophy, yet he presents them in contexts divergent from their traditional storytelling origins. Deeply connected to nature, he seeks to capture the essence of natural phenomena—like the flow of water or the wind through leaves—rather than replicating the elements themselves.

For Alberto Ballocca, art is not just a medium of expression; it’s a gateway to sharing the truthful and subjective perception of society. Through his interdisciplinary approach, he invites viewers to embark on a journey that transcends temporal and cultural boundaries, bridging the wisdom of antiquity with the complexities of the contemporary world.

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