This interview inaugurates a new series “Italian in NY”. It is dedicated to all those that, when at the question “where do you live?” I utter the fateful answer “NYC”, a movie (or TV series) immediately starts to roll in their heads, because they’ve always wanted to visit / live in this city. To open this series I chose Michela Martello, an artist who at all effects is very representative of the melting pot that is this metropolis where people, ideas, products, cultures from all over the world incessantly converge to be transformed. A classically trained artist (Haiech and Brera), Martello has lived her professional career mainly in NYC, gradually taking on in her works not only different cultural influences, but also venturing on a variety of media and projects. In the last two years, the influence of Eastern mysticism especially has driven her quest to achieve that delicate balance between expressive discourse and sign that marks the accomplishment of art. I met her at the recent inauguration of the exhibition “Trascending Tibet”, which, for its unique and intriguing mix of cultures, colors and materials, I highly recommend to anyone interested in contemporary art.
Where do you come from? I was born in Grosseto and raised in Milan (Italy)
How long have you been living in NY? I arrived the first time in 19887, I just had to take a vacation, but it was extended for three years. After returning from Italy I continued to do back and forth, until I settled permanently in 1998.
What brought you to this city? Since I was a child, I’ve always been dreaming to come here, and as soon as I had the opportunity I came for vacations, I was 20 years old.
Why did you decided to stop in NYC? I had no choice, emotionally, this city made me feel immediately at home like no other. I am convinced that there is a karmic connection, who knows maybe I was a Lenape. I can’t explain it rationally, but intuitively the push was irrepressible.
Where do you live in NY? I lived in Manhattan, Union Square, until 3 years ago, then my husband and I moved to Brooklyn, Bedford Stuyvesant, which I love, although I sometimes miss Manhattan as my left arm, I’m left-handed.
What fascinates you most of NY? In short: everything! Even the most difficult aspects, that put me to test. In NYC, I always discover something of myself, and I always feel the urge to grow. Typical Italian habits, such as self-pity or procrastinating, they have no place here.
I like both the outward and tangible aspects of the city, and its energy and intangible aspects that affect not only on those who live here but also the tourists. NYC is a true work of art, and as such continues to stimulate us, prompting us to ask questions and to inspire new thoughts.
How long have you been living in NY? I arrived the first time in 19887, I just had to take a vacation, but it was extended for three years. After returning from Italy I continued to do back and forth, until I settled permanently in 1998.
What brought you to this city? Since I was a child, I’ve always been dreaming to come here, and as soon as I had the opportunity I came for vacations, I was 20 years old.
Why did you decided to stop in NYC? I had no choice, emotionally, this city made me feel immediately at home like no other. I am convinced that there is a karmic connection, who knows maybe I was a Lenape. I can’t explain it rationally, but intuitively the push was irrepressible.
Where do you live in NY? I lived in Manhattan, Union Square, until 3 years ago, then my husband and I moved to Brooklyn, Bedford Stuyvesant, which I love, although I sometimes miss Manhattan as my left arm, I’m left-handed.
What fascinates you most of NY? In short: everything! Even the most difficult aspects, that put me to test. In NYC, I always discover something of myself, and I always feel the urge to grow. Typical Italian habits, such as self-pity or procrastinating, they have no place here.
I like both the outward and tangible aspects of the city, and its energy and intangible aspects that affect not only on those who live here but also the tourists. NYC is a true work of art, and as such continues to stimulate us, prompting us to ask questions and to inspire new thoughts.
What do you hate the most of NY? ahaha pedestrians, they give me much grief, whoever drives in this town knows what I mean: NY pedestrians are the most arrogant I’ve ever met! They feel above all danger and they step through the streets as if there were a host of invisible shields to protect them, in other words they never look, not even to check if the lights are green or red, .. I wouldn’t say pure hatred, but something very close.
What are your tips to really get to know this city? Visit the landmark of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, the pavilion of Oriental art at the Met. Tour all, absolutely all of Central Park, and while you walk around make a lot of wishes. Walking on the Upper West Side, the installations in the windows of the Museum of Natural History. Cross the bridges, stopping halfway for a little while.
How did this cultural triangle between the Italian origin, residence in New York and Tibetan art come to be and develop? I approached the Tibetan culture around 1990, fascinated by its symbolism and spiritual practices, since then its study and practice have become an integral part of my artistic research. I think this interest has been dictated by a sort of malaise and the need for growth.
What are your tips to really get to know this city? Visit the landmark of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, the pavilion of Oriental art at the Met. Tour all, absolutely all of Central Park, and while you walk around make a lot of wishes. Walking on the Upper West Side, the installations in the windows of the Museum of Natural History. Cross the bridges, stopping halfway for a little while.
How did this cultural triangle between the Italian origin, residence in New York and Tibetan art come to be and develop? I approached the Tibetan culture around 1990, fascinated by its symbolism and spiritual practices, since then its study and practice have become an integral part of my artistic research. I think this interest has been dictated by a sort of malaise and the need for growth.
Now Here/Nowhere by Michela Martello, 2014, mixed media
Both NYC and Italy have many connections with Tibetan Buddhism. In Italy, the Dalai Lama received the honorary residence in Pannabilli and Prof. Tucci was one of the first and most important Tibet scholars in the world, who founded the ISMEO in Naples already in the 50s.
NYC has a huge community of Tibetan refugees, including many artists who now begin to integrate with contemporary art and this shows in the heart of Chelsea confirms it. NYC is home to ethnic groups from all over the world and therefore a spiritual culture such as Buddhism, which tends to integrate all aspects of reality without dualism, can only feel comfortable in the Big Apple.
NYC has a huge community of Tibetan refugees, including many artists who now begin to integrate with contemporary art and this shows in the heart of Chelsea confirms it. NYC is home to ethnic groups from all over the world and therefore a spiritual culture such as Buddhism, which tends to integrate all aspects of reality without dualism, can only feel comfortable in the Big Apple.
For more information visit: Michela Martello
For info about the show and its sponsor Trace Foundation