Mattia Pannoni on why it Pays to Methodically create photographs
As someone who is extremely fast paced with his creations, I tend to find myself consuming photography made by those who are more methodical. I love to see what an artist can do when they take their time, as often the final piece carries plenty of depth and character. Evidence of that comes from Italian photographer Mattia Pannoni, whose works can sometimes take months to complete – and they’re currently bringing him a lot of success.
Mattia Pannoni
I’ve always felt it takes 10 or so photographs for readers to fully grasp and connect to the photographic identity of an artist. However, in the case of Pannoni, I sense you’ll be able to understand him by viewing only a handful of his images.
He’s a high-quality low quantity creator and he’s able to say a lot through his images, without having to say too much. Clearly, a young man who wants to experience other worldly sensations, Pannoni’s photography takes you on a journey to different realms, beyond what you would consider reality.
It’s his reality, his world and through each of his pieces he invites you to join him, wherever he wishes to take you.
In regards to where his photography takes him, in the real world, Pannoni has been exhibited in Times Square, New York and his works are currently on display in Paris.
He’s a thoughtful man, and his attention to detail isn’t only evident through his photography, but also in his attitude to life. With that, I recommend you spend your time thoroughly reading this interview, allowing you to immerse yourself not only in the photos, but also in the personality of the artist who made them.
Them Frames: Hey Mattia! Times Square is one of the most iconic places on earth – so what’s it like seeing your photograph featured on one of the world-renowned billboards?
Mattia Pannoni: On the first day of the exhibition my brother said to me something I will always carry in my heart. He said, “when I think of those Times Square billboards, I remember the frequent advertisements for M&M's and Coca Cola. From today I will also remember Utican. The work of a giant digital artist. My brother, Mattia."
I often revisit those famous Times Square stairs, sit in the crowd once again, and envelope myself in this incredible energy. I rediscover myself in front of an immense carpet of people, cultures, dreams and I observe the world that passes in front of me realizing the same thing every single time: if there is a center of the world, this is it.
In a world graced by photography, Times Square is the place to live, the thrill to be had, even if it burns as fast as a match that never goes out. I remember that experience as a moment I didn't want to miss, because I knew there was nothing like it in the whole world, because if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. It was just surreal.
Them Frames: Your concepts seem well thought out. How long does it usually take you to develop an idea and then create the final piece?
Mattia Pannoni: It really depends on the work, I love creating the narrative and structure of the project before thinking about the final visual. I want it all to line up in my mind. Usually, it takes at least a month to complete a piece of work.
Them Frames: How do you feel about the creative process, is it something you enjoy?
Mattia Pannoni: I love getting lost in my creative process, even though I could easily go months without creating a single piece of work. I create out of necessity, that's why my production is enclosed in a few works. Many of my works were captured in dreams, and only later came to life in the real world. That's exactly what I love about my art. It's like air for me, I feel the need to create only when I have something to tell, I can say that my soul commands my art.
Them Frames: You don’t share tons of work online - is that because you prefer to create quality over quantity or do you like to be conservative with how much share?
Mattia Pannoni: That's right, I think I've done about 15 pieces in the last year. I prefer quality over quantity, and my collectors know this well. There isn't a particular reason, but I believe that every story, every work of art has something lived behind it.
As previously mentioned, I've never created a piece of work out of boredom, I've always had something to say through my art. I could release a single piece of work in a year, and still I’d be happy.
Follow Them Frames
Them Frames: Talk to us about Utican, why does it mean so much to you and how does it influence your work?
Mattia Pannoni: The name "Utican" refers to the idea of being a resident of Utica, an imaginary place where I spent a lot of time, based on childhood memories I carry with me. It's a metaphor for that moment in life that we know will never come again.
Utican is therefore a proud and celebratory creation that invites us to live in the present and not just in memories. The work tells us that we are no longer residents of "Utica", hence our past. It will probably always remain my masterpiece for many reasons.
It was my first piece of work published on Super Rare, the most coveted marketplace in the digital art world, which has only a few hundred artists worldwide.
The piece brought me to the center of the world, Times Square, and I will always remember that feeling.
But most of all, it was the lucky charm that my grandfather gave me the day before I left for New York (I had a piece of paper that my grandfather had written "Utican" on), I would get that lucky charm after I got back from New York , but unfortunately, I lost my grandfather the exact day I came home. After a 10-hour flight and a 5-hour drive, he was the first person I went to hug, and our last conversation was about Utican and the New York exhibit, a few hours later he left this world. For this reason Utican is etched into my heart more than any other work I've ever done.
Them Frames: Your work is currently being exhibited in Paris, please tell us more about that…
Mattia Pannoni: My work is currently exhibited in Paris at L'église de la Madeleine, a magnificent church located in the Champs-Élysées area. It's my last exhibit until April, when my work will be exhibited in New York City during NFT New York, the premier and most coveted annual event for the NFT community and digital art world. It's truly an honor to have the opportunity to see my art around the world; Miami, Paris, Rome, these are just some of the many cities!
Them Frames: You produce music - can you share a song that blends perfectly with your photography?
Mattia Pannoni: Music is central to my creative process. There is no exact song that matches my photography, but I can say without a doubt that Avicii and Imagine Dragons' music have been a huge help in my creations, their music can move your soul.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Mattia Pannoni: it's the only way I can feel at peace with myself. Shaping my thoughts through my compositions is therapeutic, and I need it. My journey thanks to it is full of successes, but not everything goes smoothly. I became an adult growing up as an artist, I learned to know myself better and I realized that there is still so much more I want to do in my life. I'm curious to see where this journey will take me!