' +
'
What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
I ve been drawn to art for as long as I can .
Even as a child, anything related to painting would spark a sense of joy and curiosity in me.
Over time, art became the way I processed the world around me.
Every emotion, memory, or moment that left a mark on me found its way onto a canvas.
It’s never been just a hobby—it’s a deep, instinctive part of who I am.
There’s something truly magical about transforming a blank surface into a living, breathing piece of art.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
Throughout my artistic development, I’ve been driven by a strong curiosity to experiment with a wide range of styles and techniques.
This exploration gradually led me to discover a visual language and artistic approach that feel authentic and fulfilling.
While I’ve found my own voice, my work still reflects a diversity of themes and methods across different collections.
I believe an artist’s creations are shaped by their emotional state, personal journey, and the moments they live through—each calling for its own unique expression.
Despite this variety, there are elements that remain consistent and serve as my artistic signature: the use of bold, vibrant colors, expressive mark-making, and references to the traditional cultural motifs of my country. These features continue to anchor my work and define its identity over time.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
A bold and expressive visual language – My work is distinguished by its rich, vibrant colors and dynamic mark-making, creating an immediate emotional connection with the viewer.
Hybrid art blending tradition with modernity_ I draw on the hidden potential of classical Persian art, using its elements to explore modern themes in a way that bridges past and present without being bound by convention.
A unique balance of contrast and harmony – The interplay between traditional references and expressive freedom gives my work a signature tension and balance rarely seen, setting it apart within the contemporary art scene.
Where does your inspiration come from?
The rich heritage of persian art and culture, along with the masterpieces of great artists throughout history, have been enduring sources of inspiration in my practice.
However, I do not feel bound by them.
I engage with these influences selectively—drawing from them what resonates—while allowing my mind, heart, and hand to move freely through the creative process, guided by intuition and inner reflection.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I aim for that first spark of joy and wonder when a viewer encounters the piece, then invite them into a moment of quiet reflection—perhaps noticing a small detail or question arising. Ultimately, I hope to open a fresh window in their imagination, where echoes of tradition meet contemporary insight. Through vibrant hues, expressive marks, and cultural references, I want audiences to leave both comforted by beauty and energized by new possibilities.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
In general, most of my works begin with a carefully developed preparatory sketch; I seldom embark on a piece without a foundational plan. The initial spark for each project varies—sometimes I translate an idea into form, and at others, the emerging form dictates the concept. Yet these sketches merely mark the point of departure; once immersed in the creative process, the work itself “speaks” to me, revealing what it requires. Furthermore, as my recent pieces have grown more expressionistic, my own emotions in the moment often give rise to unexpected, yet compelling, developments.
Do you use a particular work technique? if so, can you explain it?
7.Typically, I begin by laying in a loose overall sketch with a thin brown wash—just enough to eliminate the canvas’s blank whiteness. From there, I work in distinct stages, gradually building the composition. At times I apply color with a brush; at others, I turn to a palette knife to create expressive patches of pigment.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Yes—I believe that every phenomenon emerges alongside its opposite, and I weave this concept into my art, both in technique and in content. Here, I’ll point out a few examples:
1.Hybrid of Tradition and Abstraction
2.Dialectic Between Plan and Spontaneity
3.Multi-Tool Textural Language
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
Oil paint is the medium with which I feel most comfortable.
because my ion lies in creating bold stains and brush folds—sensations that watercolor, pastel, or colored pencil simply can’t provide. Moreover, the slow drying time of oils gives me the freedom to work intuitively and without rush.
Of course, I also draw on other materials whenever a project calls for them.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your own workshop? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
I’ve set aside a room in my home as my personal studio—a secure, well-appointed sanctuary where music and incense create the perfect atmosphere, and I lose all sense of time. Although I outline a general timeline for my projects, I keep it flexible, allowing my emotional state and inner drive to dictate when I truly commit to creating.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
I've had several opportunities to travel as part of my artistic journey, and each has offered a unique and valuable experience. These encounters not only expanded my understanding of global art and culture, but also allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives and creative approaches. The encouraging I received along the way strengthened my confidence and deepened my commitment to the path I’m on.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
In light of the ongoing—though gradually easing—restrictions in my country, my long-term vision is to transcend borders and limitations through my artistic practice. I aim to engage with an international audience, using painting as a universal language to express my concerns, advocate for peace, and foster dialogue across cultures. I aspire to take part in esteemed artist residencies and international art fairs, viewing these experiences not only as professional milestones, but also as opportunities for deeper cultural exchange and personal growth.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
My recent collection,titled coincidence,explores an unprecidented dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Drawing from the rich visual language of Persian miniature—an art form with over a thousand years of history—this body of work reinterprets its elements, forms, and colors in a new and liberated context. By breaking away from the rigid formalism of the original style, I have embraced a freer, more contemporary approach that allows these traditional motifs to speak to today’s world. Through this collection, I use the miniature not as a historical reference, but as a living medium to express present-day concerns with a fresh and modern voice.
In these works, I primarily used oil paint as my medium, occasionally incorporating acrylic for the underpainting. The overall approach is expressive, characterized by bold brushstrokes and dynamic color fields. Some pieces also lean toward abstract figuration, blending contemporary human forms with classical miniature-inspired techniques and expressive, abstract environments. This contrast creates a distinctive visual tension—where tradition and modernity not only coexist but actively challenge and enrich one another.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
One of the most significant milestones in my exhibition journey was participating in the Euro ExpoArt_Art Fair in Italy in 2018—a global event that introduced me to a wide spectrum of international art and fostered valuable connections on a worldwide scale. More recently, my solo exhibition was met with an exceptional reception, marking another meaningful and distinct experience in my artistic path.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
The Creation of Adam, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, is a masterpiece I profoundly ire for its magnificence, beauty, and the genius of its composition—it's a work that evokes a deep sense of awe and iration, and one I often wish I had created. However, in of artistic impact and historical significance, I would have most liked to be the creator of Impression, Sunrise, a painting that marked a turning point in art history by laying the foundation for the Impressionist movement. Its pioneering use of bold, expressive brushwork speaks to my own ion for mark-making and emotional expression through paint.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I would have loved to have dinner with Van Gogh. I would begin by asking him how such raw courage and emotion found their way into his work. Then, I’d invite him to visit the museums and auction houses where his paintings are now sold for extraordinary prices. I would want him to witness the recognition his art has finally received, to see the profound impact he has had on the history of art, and to feel proud of what he created—especially knowing how difficult his life was, and how little appreciation he received during his own time
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli 
