The photographs in this body of work titled Sicilia Fantasma, which literally means “Ghost Sicily” represents a collection of personal visions about Sicily, gathered between 2012 and 2018. In an attempt to represent the Land through a series of landscapes, the desire is to generate a relationship between the observer and the represented spaces which stimulates a delving beyond the surface of the “scape”. This establishes a critical point of reflection on who we are in relation to the characteristics of our spaces and our time. The critique is expressed as a dialectical knot, rather than an assumption; elements of concern more than a complaint, useful to gather questions and political thoughts. As David Goldblatt said, “Events in themselves are not so much interesting to me as the conditions that led to the events”, in that way this work represents something like a mirror, which reflects on belonging to a land—an exercise in reading space and that which occurs in it, to better understand and reposition our actions, feelings, relationships and responsibilities toward the land, so ourselves.
Pietro Motisi is a multidisciplinary artist focusing on photography, painting, and installation art, to reflect a deep investigation of the interplay between human identity and its environment.
He has been refining his craft since 2002, drawing inspiration from his background in science, music, and theater to inform his artistic vision. Central to Motisi’s work is the exploration of identity within the context of environment and space. However, his approach is far from traditional; instead of presenting passive observations, he invites viewers to actively engage with the balance of simplicity and complexity of his formal compositions. Thus his multi-layered artwork serves as a catalyst for introspection, an invitation to find glimpses of beauty and poetry amidst the ordinary.
His creative process is meticulous, rooted in craftsmanship and informed by literary and anthropological influences. Motisi’s academic background includes studying Documentary Photography at the University of Wales in Newport, where he earned his degree in 2012. With exhibitions spanning across the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, Motisi’s artistic endeavors have garnered recognition and acclaim. Awards such as the Urban Landscapes by P46 Gallery and the Reginald Salisbury Travel Award underscore the impact of his exploration of art and identity in the contemporary landscape.
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