Abstract Art's Rising Star | Luanna Flammia
We are delighted to welcome Luanna Flammia a young British Contemporary artist of Italian origin, currently living and working in London.
Luanna combines mixed media on canvas to create vivid abstract forms, often interpreted by the viewer as landscapes. Her Mediterranean palette references her Italian culture whilst the context of her paintings are deeply rooted by connections within different types of relationships, leaving the mind to not dwell on the past, but share light to a previous experience.
Image: Sugar Rush - Luanna Flammia - Mixed media on canvas - Size: 70 x 85 cm
H: Where does your interest in art come from?
LF: My interests in art developed in my childhood. I spent long hot summers in southern Italy, in the outskirts of Naples, this is where I became fascinated with light and colour. The evening sunlight would bring warmth and life to the old decrepit buildings, appearing like they could collapse at any minute, then transformed instantly into beautiful architectural forms. I remember the dazzling yellows and warm earthy colours surrounding me glistening, I then began the process of exploring these feelings and memories through painting, without being literal. The textural forms of my surroundings stayed with me and I began to try and replicate those qualities.
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H: Your first ever experience of ‘art’?
LF: I remember my uncle giving me his paintbrushes and telling me to essentially flick the paint on a canvas, he was a painter in my village. He spoke allot about abstract expressionism and how revolutionary this era was, I became hooked immediately and found myself experimenting with mark making and the potential of moving the paint in all directions on a canvas.
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H: Your first ever experience of ‘art’?
LF: I remember my uncle giving me his paintbrushes and telling me to essentially flick the paint on a canvas, he was a painter in my village. He spoke allot about abstract expressionism and how revolutionary this era was, I became hooked immediately and found myself experimenting with mark making and the potential of moving the paint in all directions on a canvas.
H: What inspires you?
LF: As well as inspired by my roots I am also intrigued with relationships and the power of communication. How anything can evolve within a second and be destroyed at the same time. This can be with friendships, relationships, my main inspiration lays within two very powerful & consuming emotions, love and loss.
Image: 'There is nothing that can phase us' - Luanna Flammia - 40 x 40cm (diptych)
H: What does your work aim to say?
LF: My work can be very reminiscent. Often my work can relate with a past memory, experience or a landscape that the viewer may have seen.
Although my intention is not to dwell on the past, I just want to bring joy to the past.
Almost a self-reflection, I want the viewer to look past the layers and to break down
the barriers of life to reveal what is really alive and real.
LF: My work can be very reminiscent. Often my work can relate with a past memory, experience or a landscape that the viewer may have seen.
Although my intention is not to dwell on the past, I just want to bring joy to the past.
Almost a self-reflection, I want the viewer to look past the layers and to break down
the barriers of life to reveal what is really alive and real.
H: Which current art world trends are you following?
LF: I think there can be a deep meaning to conceptual art, something which appears to be so simple aesthetically can share a thought or two although
technically, I adore artists such as Gerard Richter,
Antoni Tàpies, Robert Rauschenberg and Williem De Kooning
H: Tell us about your process.
LF: My process involves pulling and pushing various mediums in a linear motion to build up a sense of perspective and depth. A simple yet complex process involving a broad range of materials such as ink, acrylic, oil, household paint, varnish and gold foil. An average painting can take between 2-4 months.
Image: 'Lucky Streak' - Luanna Flammia - 65 x 95 cm
H: What would be your dream commission?
LF: I’ve never thought of it but I’d say ‘id love to scale up and apply my style on a mural or a house.
H: How do you deal with creative block?
LF: When this happens I tend to roam around scenic routes in London if this doesn’t trigger inspiration then a trip to the V&A is always a great place to get lost in your thoughts.
LF: When this happens I tend to roam around scenic routes in London if this doesn’t trigger inspiration then a trip to the V&A is always a great place to get lost in your thoughts.
H: If you could make a list of your favourite contemporary artists,
Fiona Rae and Amanda Ansell.
H: What are you working on next?
LF: I’m currently working on larger canvases; I’m also experimenting with black inks, it really brings the 24crt gold leaf detailing to life. I've also been commissioned to create a series of diptychs for a client in NY.
H: Outside of art what makes you the happiest?
LF: I love watching a great film but I get so much enjoyment just wandering the streets of London, meeting random strangers who inspire me and enjoying
one or two cocktails
(10 tequila shots later)
(10 tequila shots later)
H: Do you have a creative hero? Who are your biggest influences?
LF: I wouldn’t say I have a hero, but I admire the works of
Frida Kahlo she was so free-spirited, her self portraits are iconic,
unrivalled in their poignant beauty.
I am also influenced by people I meet and relationships,
either romantically or friendly.
H: How would your friends describe you?
LF: My friends describe me as enthusiastic, motivated,
trustworthy and intense, probably, that might just be my Italian genes.
H: We are bombarded every day by bad news, what one thing would you change in the world if you could?
LF: I’d make sure all children have the right education and a meal every day, this I believe is needed in most in third world countries, it really upsets me that we seemingly have everything when at the same time there are children
starving across the world.
H: If you were to tag yourself on HATCH, what 3 words would you use?
LF: #abstractartist #freespirit #coolaf
Detail from: 'Sparkle Eyes' - Luanna Flammia
Medium: Original - mixed media and gold foil on canvas
Size: 60 x 80 cm
Medium: Original - mixed media and gold foil on canvas
Size: 60 x 80 cm