Giorgia Ascolani
The Creative Odyssey of Giorgia Ascolani.
To me, maintaining a sense of light-heartedness is paramount. In realms like art and fashion, there's often a tendency to take oneself too seriously. That's why I've always been drawn to injecting a touch of humour or introducing some whimsical element into my creations, particularly within my parallel universes.
Giorgia Ascolani’s artistic odyssey traverses the streets of Milan and the energy of London. Rooted in her multicultural upbringing and fueled by a dynamic approach to video production, Giorgia’s narrative serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of creativity, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
Raised amidst the cultural scene of Milan with an Italian father and New Zealander mother, Giorgia's formative years were steeped in the rich traditions of Italian artistry. However, her transition to London at a tender age ushered in a period of adaptation and rejuvenation, igniting a creative spark fuelled by the amalgamation of diverse influences. Yet, amidst the backdrop of bustling cities and artistic fervour, who is Giorgia Ascolani at her core? It's a question that begs exploration, a journey we're eager to embark upon.
What motivated your move from Milan to London, and how did you adjust to life in the new city?
When I was just six years old, my family made the move from Milan to London. With an Italian father and a Kiwi mother, my upbringing was inherently multicultural and linguistically diverse. My early memories are deeply intertwined with the sights, smells, and sensations of Milan – the warm aroma of the city in the summer, the indulgence of gelato topped with panna montata on Friday afternoons, and more. Yet, upon arriving in London, I found myself confronted with a noticeable absence of these sensory comforts. The air held a different scent, the light cast by the London sky had its own unique quality, and the cacophony of city sounds seemed somehow amplified compared to what I was accustomed to. It was a significant adjustment, one that made me keenly aware of the distinctiveness of each place and the imprint it leaves on our senses.
Did this transition mark a significant period of renewal for you?
Children possess a remarkable ability to adapt swiftly, and I count myself fortunate to have been no exception. Growing up, I was already accustomed to a multifaceted upbringing, shuttling between Italy and New Zealand with my diverse parental heritage. Moving to London simply meant expanding my cultural repertoire to include yet another country!
In hindsight, I believe this blend of cultures, languages, and landscapes left an indelible mark on my development, shaping my perspective and influencing my work in profound ways as I matured.
There’s a certain charm in imperfection that polished perfection often lacks.
Reflecting on your background, how do you believe your experiences in Milan have influenced your artistic and creative approach, especially in the context of your work in London?
I might be a bit biased, but I firmly believe that Italians will always hold a special place at the vanguard of design and fashion. The Italian perspective on beauty is truly unparalleled; it's as if they possess an innate ability to appreciate and pursue aesthetic excellence unlike any other culture. This reverence for beauty permeates every aspect of Italian life – from the exquisite cuisine to the majestic architecture and the timeless art that spans through the annals of history. What's remarkable is that even as they venture into new realms of creativity, Italians often draw upon their tradition and classical elements as a sort of guiding framework, a solid foundation upon which to innovate. Milan, unquestionably the epicentre of modern fashion and design in Italy, left an indelible mark on my formative years. I vividly recall the vibrant energy pulsating through the city during Fashion Week in the '90s – it was nothing short of electric, utterly fabulous! While London boasts its own undeniable charm and creative prowess, I can't help but attribute a significant part of my creative sensibilities to my upbringing infused with that distinct Italian/Milanese flair. It provided me with a solid groundwork upon which to expand and flourish, even in the bustling metropolis of London.
Winning the Prada Journal Award for Best Video was a notable achievement. Can you share the emotions you felt during that time?
It was an exhilarating time! I was just beginning to recognise the potential for my small videos and collages to reach a wider audience. Previously, they had been confined to my Instagram, where they garnered encouraging comments mostly from my mom. However, I was starting to see some momentum building, and winning the Best Video Award served as a clear sign that I should continue to push forward.
What inspired you to craft parallel, positive worlds in your videos and collages?
To me, maintaining a sense of light-heartedness is paramount. In realms like art and fashion, there's often a tendency to take oneself too seriously. That's why I've always been drawn to injecting a touch of humour or introducing some whimsical element into my creations, particularly within my parallel universes. After all, where's the harm in envisioning a world where the absurd can coexist with the sublime? It just makes the whole creative process much more enjoyable!
Moving forward, my goal is simple: to keep nurturing these partnerships and continue pushing the boundaries of creativity.
What drove your exploration of video as a medium, and how has your relationship with it evolved over time?
It all boiled down to the limitation of space within a single image frame – there was just so much story I wanted to convey. That's when the idea struck me: why not bring the image to life through movement? Video provided me with the perfect platform to weave a narrative that still images couldn't quite capture. Even though I continued to rely on imagery as the foundation of my videos, the dynamic nature of video allowed me to delve deeper into storytelling. My early experiments involved crafting stop-motion animations using hundreds of meticulously saved JPEGs. I would painstakingly manipulate each frame, shifting subjects, rearranging elements, until the image seemed to breathe with motion. I'd then run these sequences through a GIF converter, as that was the extent of my digital manipulation skills at the time. Despite the laborious process, I found a certain satisfaction in the manual manipulation of imagery. It wasn't until later, when I stumbled upon software like Premiere and After Effects, that I realised the true potential of digital editing. While these tools revolutionised my workflow, I still find myself drawn to manual manipulation, as it imparts a unique charm and character to the final product.
Can you discuss the key visual and narrative elements you strive to convey through your personal video projects?
As I've emphasised earlier, humour holds a significant place in my artistic ethos. My aim is to evoke not only a sense of joy but also a hint of bemusement in those who engage with my creations. When it comes to the visual aspects of my work, I gravitate towards a handmade aesthetic – there's a certain charm in imperfection that polished perfection often lacks. For me, overly polished visuals can feel a bit sterile and uninspiring. Instead, I'm drawn to imagery that exudes a raw, unrefined quality, reminiscent of the DIY ethos of the 1970s punk era and the raw energy of fanzines from that time. It's that gritty, authentic vibe that I find truly captivating and seek to infuse into my own artistic endeavours.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations and objectives within the realms of art and video production?
I count myself incredibly fortunate to have turned my passion into a profession. It’s a privilege to collaborate with remarkable brands who entrust me to craft these imaginative realms for them. Moving forward, my goal is simple: to keep nurturing these partnerships and continue pushing the boundaries of creativity. In addition to my commercial work, I’ve embarked on an exciting new venture – creating videos and imagery for an upcoming exhibition later this year. This project has provided me with the opportunity to delve deep into the quirky recesses of my imagination, exploring avenues that might have remained uncharted otherwise. It’s been an exhilarating journey, and I'm eager to see where it leads me.