Riccardo Mantelli —Press Kit:
Riccardo Mantelli, an innovative fusion of artist and technologist, masterfully weaves together the threads of ancient traditions with the cutting-edge advancements of the digital era. His artistic creations are not just visually stunning, but they are imbued with a deep spiritual essence, crafted to engage and transform the viewer's understanding of the interplay between technology and the human spirit. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Mantelli also imparts his unique perspective and expertise as a respected academic figure at the prestigious Domus Academy and NABA Milano in Europe.
1. Artist Biography
Riccardo Mantelli: Bridging Ancient Traditions and Digital Innovation
Riccardo Mantelli stands at the forefront of artistic and technological synthesis, seamlessly blending ancient customs with the latest digital advancements. As an acclaimed artist and innovative technologist, Mantelli has carved a unique niche in the world of contemporary art. His journey is marked by a profound exploration of the interplay between humanity and technology, where each line of code resonates with ancient rites and traditions.
Mantelli's artistic endeavors extend beyond his creations, contributing significantly to academia as a distinguished professor at two of Europe's most prestigious institutions for design and art — Domus Academy and NABA Milano. His teachings and mentorships reflect his deep commitment to fostering a new generation of artists and technologists, who resonate with his vision of integrating spiritual introspection with contemporary digital advancements.
Riccardo Mantelli's works, exhibited internationally, invite audiences to perceive technology not merely as a tool but as an extension of our spirituality, creating a nexus between ancient wisdom and the digital realm. His art is a testament to the possibility of harmonious coexistence between technology, art, and soul, paving the way for a future where these elements intertwine in the tapestry of human experience.
2. Artist Statement: "Synchronizing the Cosmic Canvas"
In a world that is constantly evolving, I commit to navigating the folds of the technological universe, exploring its unknown depths, and expertly blending elements of Arabic, Jewish, and Persian tradition with the opportunities offered by progress. In doing so, I unite past and future, tradition and innovation, creating a unique and stimulating artistic dialogue that reflects my personal vision and interaction with the surrounding world.My work strives to overcome obstacles in the communication of art and innovation, seeking to express the feelings and insights that arise from the exploration of technology, mathematics, generative code, and geometry. With passion and dedication, I am committed to cultivating a vision that transcends the superficial use of technology, promoting personal and spiritual growth through art.
In my journey, I dedicate myself to probing the imaginal territories, pushing the boundaries of inspiration and creativity. With an open mind and a passion illuminated by the infinite, I will immerse myself in diverse cultures, enriching my artistic repertoire and discovering new ways to express my vision.
This artistic manifesto is a commitment to creating a fascinating and engaging dialogue between the past and present, tradition and innovation. With determination and passion, I will pursue an artistic career that reflects my personal vision and interaction with the world around me, inspiring audiences to reflect on how we can benefit from artificial intelligence and technology in general, without compromising our spiritual and human growth.
With this manifesto, I reaffirm my commitment to pursuing an artistic path that is warm and poetic, fascinating and profound, inviting readers to join me in this exploration of new artistic horizons and a bright, conscious future.
3. Portfolio of Works for Riccardo Mantelli's Press Kit
Silicon Hyperuranium: An extension of 'Buried Connections' and 'Echoes Beneath the Veil', this series interweaves digital mysticism with Orphic resonance. Mantelli crafts a digital tapestry where technology reveals the ethereal layers of human consciousness, rooted in the silicon essence. It's a poetic odyssey through our digital existence, akin to ancient Orphic chants but expressed in bytes and pixels. This project invites contemplation of our interconnected digital lives, uncovering the sacred within circuitry and silicon.
Buried Contact: Delving into the depths of technology, this work begins with the mineral properties of amorphous silicon and extends into the imaginal realms around technology. It reflects on the unseen forces shaping our digital world, blending physical and virtual elements in a symbolic exploration.
Echoes Beneath the Veil: A reinvented hijab becomes a symbol of the coexistence of spirituality and digital realms. Inspired by heatmaps and packet loss, it reflects our era's digital challenges and the struggle to maintain human essence in an algorithm-driven world. The hijab, laden with cultural and religious meanings, transforms into a canvas for our digital identity and cultural uniqueness.
Silicon Hyperuranium: Beyond artistic creation, Silicon Hyperuranium is a visionary journey into the unseen layers of human consciousness intertwined with our technological fabric. Drawing from mystical practices, Mantelli reimagines technology as a modern altar, connecting the human spirit with the cosmos. Each piece in the series is a digital tapestry, merging algorithms and interactive elements, where digital and spiritual realms coalesce.
Liminality | The Electrum Mirror: Exploring the significance of direction in various religious practices, Liminality is a state of awareness at the threshold of consciousness. It highlights the importance of taking a directional stance, connecting with nature and the greater cosmos. The project engages with the spiritual traditions of the world, from the Islamic Qibla to Christian prayer directions, reminding us of the power of orientation in life. Liminality is a journey of reconnection with nature, rediscovering our place in the world through touch and the power of the senses.