Born in Montreal in 1964, Adamo Macri is a multidisciplinary artist who navigates the boundaries of photography, sculpture, painting, video, and drawing. His artistic vision emerges from a fascination with the physical world—every element in his work begins as an object. Whether shaping a sculpture’s contours or framing a photographic narrative, his art is rooted in tangible forms.
Macri honed his craft at Dawson College, where he studied a range of disciplines including graphic design, art history, and fine arts. This eclectic foundation has allowed him to approach his work with a versatile and open-ended perspective. Over the years, he has developed a deeply personal and evocative artistic language that explores themes of transformation, identity, and connection. Often, he uses himself as the subject of his pieces, weaving a layer of personal intimacy into his work and inviting the viewer into his self-exploration.
One of Macri’s works, Citing A Medium, embodies his unique approach to artmaking. The 30″ x 30″ photographic piece has yet to be exhibited, but Macri has shared the philosophies behind it. Viewing himself as both creator and medium, Macri builds a bridge between his personal identity and the physical elements of his art. This perspective, inspired by an article he read, deepened his connection to historical traditions of artistic self-representation.
Macri views his creative process as a balancing act between excitement and deliberation. Inspiration, he explains, often lingers in a state of flux until all the necessary elements align. This thoughtful, yet enthusiastic approach allows his work to emerge organically, ensuring each piece retains its emotional and conceptual vitality.
Unlike magicians who delight in making objects vanish, Macri is driven by the opposite impulse: to breathe life into the imaginary. He describes his practice as crafting “self-fabricated landscapes,” where constructed personas and imagined scenarios come alive. These surreal yet relatable elements challenge viewers to question reality and immerse themselves in his intricate world.
Macri’s piece Jahrfish raid is part of an ongoing exploration of environmental issues. This 33″ x 34.5″ photographic work intersects sculpture and photography, creating a layered commentary on industrial waste and its impact on the natural world. Through this series, Macri reflects on the disturbing clash between man-made contaminants and the delicate ecosystems they invade.
“I find it horrifying that something as destructive as industrial waste can come into contact with nature’s fragile creatures,” Macri shared in an interview. This recurring theme in his art highlights his concern for the planet and his desire to provoke thought about humanity’s role in ecological degradation.
The Jahrfish project uses both visual and sculptural elements to engage the viewer in conversations about contamination. By blending visceral, physical forms with compelling imagery, Macri invites reflection on the urgent need for environmental change.
Macri’s decision to incorporate himself into his works reinforces his belief that art is an intensely personal journey. By placing his own image at the center, he transforms his creations into explorations of identity and self-perception. Each work becomes a fragment of his own story, mirroring broader themes of transformation and interconnectedness.
This personal involvement doesn’t limit his art’s appeal; instead, it enriches it. Viewers are drawn into his introspection, finding connections between his experiences and their own. This interplay between the individual and the universal is one of Macri’s greatest strengths, allowing his pieces to resonate on multiple levels.
Macri’s creative philosophy centers on making art that captivates and engages. His works act as portals into meticulously constructed worlds, each one a testament to his curiosity and passion. As his practice evolves, it reflects both his personal growth and his response to the ever-changing world around him.
Working across mediums allows Macri to remain adaptable and innovative. Whether experimenting with sculptural forms or capturing the perfect photographic frame, he ensures his art remains fresh. His ability to transition seamlessly between mediums speaks to his commitment to exploration and reinvention.
Adamo Macri’s work resists categorization. Grounded in materiality yet infused with emotional depth, his art offers a profound commentary on themes ranging from environmental crises to personal identity. Pieces like Citing A Mediumand Jahrfish raid reveal his ability to transform objects and ideas into narratives that invite introspection.
Through his multifaceted approach, Macri challenges viewers to question their perceptions and engage with the themes that drive his work. His practice is a reminder of the transformative power of creativity—a bridge between the tangible and the abstract, the personal and the universal. Macri’s art is an open invitation to step into his world and experience it from his unique perspective.
