Alessio Fico, painting and instinct for a portrait of the soul
Alessio Fico, a Calabrian-Sicilian artist, began his artistic education by obtaining a certificate from the Art Institute of Castrovillari. He continued his studies independently, focusing on hyperrealism and strong emotional realism. His figures are well-structured, rich in chiaroscuro, and deeply introspective. The artist pours his inner reality, characterized by great sensitivity, into his work. Sicilian Secrets interviewed him.
Q: How did your artistic career begin?
A: I have always been drawing! As a child, my first subjects were snowy landscapes, I was born in a mountain village in Calabria. However, after school, I stopped drawing for a long time. Some life choices led me to neglect this passion, although every now and then I would sketch something on scraps of paper. Yet, after a few years, something inside me awakened, and I started again, never stopping until today. In 2013, I painted my first canvas. I wasn’t used to painting, as I had always used pencils, but there was something inside me that guided me. I found energy and inspiration without any difficulty. Without technique, without following a scheme or rules, it was just a perfect harmony between my eyes, hands, and the canvas.
Q: What do the subjects depicted in Alessio Fico’s works convey?
A: In my works, I represent ‘moments’. They emerge from periods and situations, from things that happen in life, whether they are painful or joyful. Then, I focus on an instant, on something that happens and leaves a mark on me, capturing my mind even in an imaginary way. That’s how my works came about. I am a transparent and expressive person, and that is what my drawings reflect. I am a portrait artist, and I create the image that evokes the most feelings in me by personalizing its details. I often depict eyes because through them we gain knowledge of everything around us; we can see what happens and look at what we have experienced.
Q: What guides you in the creation of a work? Is there any artist you draw inspiration from?
A: I am guided by my instinct, my soul. I draw inspiration from myself, my emotions, and my feelings. I can’t have something in common with those who created in the past or who create today. We learn from the great masters, but each of us is different: I love every drawing, I respect every artist, but everyone has their own way of creating and living. I’m not good at studying; I paint because it’s inside me. My works have dark and bold tones; they convey warmth and confidence, just like me.
Q: Do you incorporate a bit of Sicily (and Sicilian essence) into your art?
A: Sicilian blood runs through my veins too, my mother is from Palermo, and I’ve been living in Sicily for a few years now. It’s here that I’ve created my latest works, and here where I’ve found success. So yes, I believe there is something of Sicily in my art!
Q: Is there any place in Sicily that represents or has represented a source of inspiration for your creations?
A: My home is my artistic workshop and my gallery. There is no other place where I draw; at home, I have my world and everything I need…at least so far.
Q: You have participated in several exhibitions, including international ones. Which do you consider the most significant and why?
A: I try to gain as much visibility as possible, and this year I’ve invested in a few valuable events, such as the USA Tour and the Biennale of Mantua. Both have catalogues published by Mondadori and Art Now, which is beneficial for the artist and the artwork itself. This increases the value of the pieces and, in turn, my value as an artist.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of so far?
A: I’m proud of the entire journey. I’ve made my way on my own, through self-promotion and building connections. The desire to showcase my art motivates me to keep going. I love it when people say, “They are all beautiful, but I particularly prefer this one”. Being interviewed or featured in contemporary art catalogues is already a significant accomplishment.
Q: What are your plans for the future…and your dreams?
A: I plan to keep creating and participating in as many events as possible to continue growing. My dream? To be featured at the Biennale of Venice and, who knows, maybe one day to live solely thanks to my art.
