Marcello Nitti

Marcello Nitti, born in Taranto in 1988, is an artist who began his artistic journey at the Liceo Artistico and continued at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lecce. His research is centered around figurative art, blending classical and contemporary elements. Since 2012, he has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including “About Landscape” and “Tetraedrum,” which reflect his interest in landscapes and experimental aesthetics. At first glance, Nitti’s works evoke the Baroque period with their brushstrokes, colors, and chiaroscuro. However, they also feature anachronistic elements like large headphones, piercings, and turntables, which link his art to pop culture and street art. These references are not mere ironic gestures but serve to invite the viewer to look beyond the surface, uncovering the deeper meanings embedded in his pieces. Nitti rejects the sterile imitation of tradition and instead seeks to merge history with contemporary life. His works often address themes such as illness and death, challenging the classical notion of beauty. Rather than depicting perfection, Nitti embraces flaws and imperfections in his subjects, such as in his painting “Young Woman with Vitiligo,” where the physical condition of the subject becomes an integral part of the artistic message. This challenges the idealized beauty that has dominated Western art history. His exploration also extends to unconventional materials, such as using Braille paper for his self-portrait as a blind person, reflecting his growing vision impairment. This choice plays with the contradiction of a blind person depicting themselves, exploring the relationship between visual art and perception. Although Nitti typically works with traditional materials like canvas and panels, he believes that the choice of medium plays a crucial role in influencing the final result of his artwork. Over time, his work has evolved to incorporate geometric elements into landscapes and portraits, creating a dialogue between historical figurative art and modernity. Although there is no precise reason for this shift, his interest in geometry, architecture, and technical drawing is clearly reflected in his art. Regarding the role of art in society today, Nitti feels that, unfortunately, art is perceived as superfluous by the majority of people. Despite this, he believes that art can still serve a social function, encouraging reflection on political, social, and introspective themes, while also helping to recover the aesthetic beauty that is often neglected in contemporary art. Nitti’s decision to remain in Southern Italy, despite the cultural and economic challenges, is rooted in his love for the region and his roots, particularly for his hometown of Taranto. He feels that his art can contribute to revitalizing a region often marginalized culturally. However, he does acknowledge that if conditions worsen, he may eventually be forced to seek opportunities elsewhere.