The Artist Giovanni Leonardo Bassan, who lives and works in Paris, in conversation with Meta Campania Collective:
MCC: Where do you ‘Live and Work’?
GLB: I live and work in Paris.
MCC: Tell us about where you come from and how your experiences influence your work.
GLB: I’m from a small village between Venice and the Dolomites, but have been living in France for the past 12 years. Paris is the perfect base and allowed me to easily jump around.
My experiences are deeply influential in my body of work as my medium is picturing my surroundings and trying to have an observational eye in order to authentically narrate what’s happening around me. I paint activists and creative people that inspired me on a daily bases. From the rave scene to manifestations.
MCC: You work with different media- what is driving your decision for this?
GLB: I like to challenge myself with new layers of work and different techniques. I come from a figurative background in paintings and drawings but recently I’m working more and more with ceramic. I always aim to reach a more tridimensional depth in my work and stepping out of the canvas into hand sculpture pieces allowed a new level of creation and vision. Working with clay is getting in touch with the earth- getting your hands dirty and feeling the matter between your fingers. I have always worked with different materials and this it is just a natural evolution of my work.
MCC: You have been a long time collaborator with Rick Owens @rickowensonline and Michèle Lamy @lalamichmich . How did that start and how has it evolved over the years?
GLB: I met Michèle when I was still in college (studying interior Architecture in Milano) while I was modelling. The story is very special and quite long but involved a fashion shoot and a Police station ahahaha.
She was simply incredible and she suggested me to move to Paris as soon as I finishing my university. And so I did. Backpack on my shoulder I arrived to Paris without knowing anybody, and later I started working in the company under the Furniture department.
Currently I’m the head of the Rick Owens furniture and it’s been an honour to work closely with such an incredible woman and artist such as Michèle. Her unique vision and aesthetic mentored me in my early years in Paris.
MCC: 2022 has been a year with many exhibitions- congratulations. Tell us what is coming up and where we can see your work.
GLB: Thank you!
2022 indeed has been quite busy with an incredible group show, from the White Cube @whitecube one in Paris to a few in the States.
I’m currently working on a new series of small paintings and new ceramic sculptures. Preparing a show in Milano and Paris for the beginning of 2023. Gonna keep you posted with all the details!
MCC: 2022 has been a year with many exhibitions- congratulations. Tell us what is coming up and where we can see your work.
GLB: Thank you!
2022 indeed has been quite busy with an incredible group show, from the White Cube @Whitecube one in Paris to a few in the States.
I’m currently working on a new series of small paintings and new ceramic sculptures. Preparing a show in Milano and Paris for the beginning of 2023. Gonna keep you posted with all the details!
MCC: How have you come in contact with Meta Campania Collective?
GLB: I had the chance to discover the universe of Meta through my dear friend- Jon. We’ve been talking since a long time about a possible ‘collaboration’, as we were supposed to do some pictures together for the first collection. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen but I’m very excited for this new project and support such a creative vision.
MCC: Thank you- love seeing you in Meta.
GLB: Thanks for having me.