21 september 2023, Flor Linckens
Exploring Art and Technology — A Conversation with Giuseppe Lo Schiavo
At Unseen, you can explore the work of the innovative artist Giuseppe Lo Schiavo in the booth of Spazio Nuovo, a gallery based in Rome. The Italian artist is interested in pushing boundaries and his practice is marked by experiment. He has a background in architecture and works in a variety of media, including video, photography and installation. Technology, science, sociology, biology and popular culture play a significant role in his work and he likes to look at the past through a digital lens. Explore his work in the Unseen fair catalogue.
Lo Schiavo is always looking for ways to make connections between art and science, using machine learning, AI, virtual reality, infrared systems or even microorganisms in a lab. In 2020, he was the first artist to be asked to participate in a special residency program at the microbiology laboratory at University College London (UCL). A year later, he was declared the winner of the European project BioArt Challenge by the Museum of Science MUSE in Trento. At Unseen, Lo Schiavo is presenting his newest series “Windowscapes”, a new approach to contemporary photography for which he applies the latest technology in terms of computer simulation. For the series, the artist renders images that appear very much like photography. But take note: the preceding process differs immensely from a “text to image” AI tool as it requires a considerate amount of time and skill.
Giuseppe Lo Schiavo, Selene and the ocean 2086 light, Spazio Nuovo
Giuseppe, can you offer us a glimpse into your creative process when you’re working with these new technology? How do these “Windowscapes” come about and how do you subsequently present them in the space?
"Despite my work often being focused on the future and distant from traditional mediums like painting or sculpture, my creative process follows a fairly traditional path. Technology plays a pivotal role in allowing me to transcend the confines of reality creating new possible ones. To me, art acts as a gateway to alternative dimensions, and historically, windows have symbolized this concept.
My 'Windowscapes' consistently depict an idealized landscape, an exaggerated simulation of reality that I would define as hyper-natural. I conducted an intriguing experiment by utilizing a neuro device when developing this project to investigate whether art and simulated reality can evoke in our brains the same sensations as standing before a real window. The results were surprising; brainwave patterns indicated that art can indeed generate effects similar to those experienced in real life. This aspect of my work as an artist is what I find most fascinating – the ability to temporarily escape reality and then return to it through “photography”. As the Italian film director Paolo Sorrentino says 'reality is overrated,' which is precisely why we create art."
Giuseppe Lo Schiavo, Hermes and the Ocean 2023, exhibition view, Spazio Nuovo
For one of the works from this series, you used a highly detailed 3D scan from an original artwork — the head of Daphne, a nymph from Greek mythology — that is part of the collection of the Uffizi in Florence. Can you tell us a bit more about that? How did you decide to use her face specifically and why does it require such a detailed rendering of her head?
"My fascination with ancient art has always been a driving force behind my creative process, often leading me to incorporate artifacts from significant collections into my work. When it comes to selecting these pieces, I hold a deep respect for the integrity of ancient art. I try to use items that originate directly from original scans rather than interpretations or replicas. To achieve this, I use cutting-edge 3D technology at the highest resolution available, preserving a digital record also for the future generations. This practice mirrors the approach taken by ancient Romans with Greek artifacts; many Roman sculptures are, in fact, copies of Greek originals, and these copies now stand as the sole surviving traces of the originals. I'm convinced that if the Romans had the chance to get their hands on 3D scanning tech, they'd totally be all over it.
Additionally, many of the 3D scans I utilize trace their origins to original casts acquired by Northern European countries and museums during the late 19th century. These acquisitions were made with the intent of educating people about European culture. To me, these scans symbolize a journey towards democracy, knowledge, freedom, and a distinct ideal of beauty. They represent a bridge to the past, connecting us with the many stories of European heritage."
Giuseppe Lo Schiavo, Dimitra and the garden 28 07 23 light, Spazio Nuovo
How are you involved in programming the algorithms that you use? And how does your artistic expertise influence the choices you make?
"I'm usually engaged in programming all the algorithms that support my artistic creations. I consider myself a digital artisan. This involvement reaches into every part of my work, covering both how things look and how they work."
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions when it comes to digital art? What do you hope people will take away after seeing or hearing about your work?
"The most common misconception about digital art is that it lacks authenticity or depth compared to traditional forms. I hope my work helps people understand that digital art can be a bridge between the past and the future, preserving and reinterpreting our cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity. I want viewers to see the potential for emotional resonance and thought-provoking experiences within the digital realm."
The work of Lo Schiavo was shown worldwide in various museums and institutions, including Saatchi Gallery in London, the Aperture Foundation in New York, the LACDA (Los Angeles Center for Digital Art) in Los Angeles, the Decentralart Pavilion in Venice and Istanbul Contemporary. In 2022, the artist also showed a video installation on Times Square for Luxottica. Furthermore, his work was featured on the BBC, Vice, Esquire, Inside Art, Elle Decor and Fortune.
