Adamo Macri, a Montreal-based Canadian artist, has a unique approach to multimedia art. Primarily considering himself a sculptor, Macri’s work spans photography, video, painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Macri’s artistic process begins with a planning phase. He starts by conceptualizing his ideas on paper, meticulously detailing every aspect through notes, drawings, color palettes, and reference materials. This initial stage is crucial for Macri, as he believes that everything must come together perfectly in his mind before he proceeds.
Jahrfish hazmat (84 x 88 cm)
Once the concept is fully realized on paper, Macri moves to the creation of sculptural objects and accoutrements. These are crafted from a wide variety of materials, reflecting his versatility and resourcefulness as an artist. Each object is designed to play a specific role in the final composition, much like the elements of a stage set in a theatrical production.
The photography segment is where Macri’s vision comes to life. He carefully arranges the sculptural elements within the picture plane, ensuring a rhythmical and choreographed composition. The lighting is predetermined, enhancing the narrative and emotional impact of the piece. For Macri, this stage is about abstracting all the materials into a journey with a destination that is often surprising or even frightening to him.
Nevermore (76 x 70 cm)
The end result is a photograph that encapsulates the intended narrative, transforming the sculptural and theatrical elements into a cohesive and powerful image. Macri’s work requires the viewer to appreciate the methodological process behind it to fully understand and evaluate what they see. This approach makes him a true multimedia artist, as his final artworks involve almost every medium available for creation.
Macri’s artworks, when displayed together, resemble a curated collection of stories. Each piece is a chapter in a larger narrative, with unique stories and tones that sometimes align with specific genres. This storytelling aspect is central to Macri’s art, blending his own thoughts with historical ideas, literary references, and mythological tales. Viewing his work is akin to reading a novel, with each piece offering a transcendent and majestic experience.
Ţepeş (69 x 61 cm)
A characteristic of Macri’s art is the tactile experience it provides. He prefers a grainy and blurred aesthetic over high-resolution clarity, drawing inspiration from the defused black-and-white photos of newspapers that fascinated him as a child. This journalistic style of photography resonates deeply with Macri, as it captures real-life occurrences and evokes strong emotions. The blurred images engage the viewer’s imagination, making the content itself more impactful than a crisp, high-resolution image.
Macri’s work challenges conventional perceptions of art. He believes there are no restrictions on how an artwork should be perceived. The title of each piece serves as a guide, adding another layer to the overall aesthetic. This open-ended approach encourages viewers to form their own interpretations and emotional connections with the art.
Adamo Macri’s contributions to the art world have not gone unnoticed. He has recently been awarded The International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci and The Phoenix International Prize for The Arts. His work has been featured in the latest volumes of Contemporary Celebrity Masters publications. Notably, his artwork ‘Nevermore’ was selected for inclusion in the prestigious Atlante dell’Arte Contemporanea Patron of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, ensuring its permanent display at the 60th Venice Biennale Padiglione del Libro.
In conclusion, Adamo Macri is an artist who transcends traditional boundaries. His work is a harmonious blend of sculpture, photography, and storytelling, resulting in artworks that resonate on multiple levels. Macri’s process, from concept to creation, ensures that each piece is a carefully crafted narrative, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through his artistic vision.
