The Artistic Journey of a Photographer from Canvas to Camera
Welcome to this edition of [book spotlight]. Today, we uncover the layers of '010 - Mirko Saviane,' by Setanta books . We'd love to read your comments below about these insights and ideas behind the artist's work.
In our latest feature, we delve into the profound and colorful world of a renowned Italian photographer. His unique journey from the easel to the viewfinder reveals an extraordinary narrative woven from light, shadows, and vibrant hues. Join us as we explore the essence of his transition, the depth behind his use of silhouettes and shadows, and the captivating allure of Burano that paints the backdrop of his famed series.
Why did he choose photography over painting? A peek into the pivotal moment that redirected his artistic voyage. How do shadows and light play a leading role in his compositions? Insights into the technique that shapes his visual poetry. What makes the chromatic splendor of Burano so integral to his work? Discover the magnetic pull of this colorful island on his creative spirit.
Immerse yourself in a conversation that's not just about capturing images, but about capturing the soul of a place and a moment. This isn't merely an interview; it's a gateway into understanding the world through a distinctly vibrant lens.
Overall Vision and Impact of this project: What drew you to create this project centered on the island of Burano with Setanta, and what do you hope viewers will understand or feel about the relationship between light, color, and shadow in the everyday scenes you've captured?
Firstly, in my creative process, there are no "spectators"; that is, I do not create with an audience in mind who will consume the end result. Therefore, I don't have specific expectations or hopes about how others may perceive my works. My approach to creativity is intensely personal. The observer in my process is always, and only, myself. I relish the entire journey: sensing that something meaningful is about to unfold, capturing the moment as it presents itself before me, envisioning the best way to depict it, what aspects of that moment I can seize, the post-production, seeing the final result on my screen, printing a book about it, and flipping through it occasionally to relive those moments and savor the beauty of a moment frozen in time. In all this, others do not factor in. I believe that for art to be authentic, it should not be influenced by the audience... In other words, art should be a personal endeavor.
Light, color, and shadows naturally integrate into my style, a style that is in constant evolution, inspired by what I appreciate and what I feel "works" in crafting something beautiful.
Setantabooks reached out to me because they were impressed by my Burano project among my various works. This led to our collaboration on this project, also because it's arguably my most well-known work globally and could garner significant interest. I provided Setanta books and Open Doors Gallery with around 250 images from various projects I've conducted over the years on the island of Burano. From this extensive collection, they carved out a narrative that, in my opinion, effectively encapsulates these diverse projects in the zine format.
Transition from Painting to Photography: What inspired your shift from painting to photography in your artistic journey, and how has your background as a painter influenced your photographic style, especially in capturing the essence of Burano?
My transition to photography was largely due to the convenience provided by my phone: having the camera on my cell phone always at hand significantly increased my opportunities to take photos. This convenience sparked a love for street photography. As my desire for better photo quality grew, I gravitated towards the compact Sony RX100 series, which I continue to use. In painting, you control everything on the canvas; your skills and imagination set the boundaries. Photography, however, is different: you choose what to frame and when to capture the shot, but the decisive moments that materialize within your outlined context are serendipitous, shaped by luck, intuition, and experience. The connection to painting, I believe, is most evident in my focus on scene composition. I am constantly in pursuit of balanced and complete images that can stand alone, even though they are part of larger projects. My painting background informs this search, as I apply principles of balance, color, and composition from painting to my photography, particularly in capturing the vibrant essence of Burano.
Attraction to Silhouettes and Shadows: Why are silhouettes and shadows such central elements in your work, and how do they contribute to conveying the graphic and pictorial reality of Burano?
I don't view the inclusion of silhouettes and shadows as distinctive to a particular project, but rather as a characteristic of my evolving style. I am continuously inspired by my environment and the visuals around me (photos, movies, shows), and I consistently analyze why certain things appeal to me while others do not. I strive to discern what aligns with my aesthetic sensibilities and what doesn't. This reflective process has become continuous and instinctual, leading to the development of my own style—a synthesis of elements I find appealing (which I strive to incorporate) and those I don't (which I try to avoid). Ultimately, it's a language for expressing concepts. Sometimes, the use of silhouettes and shadows is contextually appropriate; other times, it is not. When the aim is to achieve a more pictorial and aesthetic effect, when descriptive details are not essential, when elevating a moment to a universal archetype is desired, then employing a silhouette can be an effective method. For example, the silhouette of a running child transcends the identity of that specific child, representing all children who run, including the child within us.
Colorful World of Burano: What drew you to select Burano as the focus of your project, and how does its vibrant color palette shape the stories you wish to tell?
Burano, an island that is a relatively short journey from my home—about two hours away—is, in my view, one of the most colorful and enchanting places on Earth. I firmly believe that one should primarily explore and narrate the worlds they know best, those that are nearest to them, and those that resonate personally or bring joy. Considering my general lack of free time, especially for photography, it's easy to see why Burano, with its rich tapestry of hues and relaxed atmosphere, provides the perfect muse for my limited opportunities. I dedicated merely five half-days to my ongoing Burano projects throughout 2023, which spans over 14 months! Yet, my visits to Burano aren't solely for photography; it's a place where strolling or simply observing is a pleasure in itself. Occasionally, something extraordinary unfolds, and having the chance to capture it through my lens is a delightful bonus.
Observer's Experience: How do you design your images to provide an immersive experience into the colorful world of Burano, and what impressions do you hope viewers will have of Burano through your photography?
Considering that I am the primary observer I have in mind when creating my photographs, my approach involves depersonalizing the subjects in the images (using silhouettes), removing distractions and unnecessary details (obscured by shadows), and accentuating the unique features of each location (like the vibrant colors in Burano, while opting for black and white in settings where color does not enhance the scene). My aim is to offer an all-encompassing visual experience, one that transcends the specific actions within the frame. In this manner, I believe my style aids the observer — in essence, myself — to better immerse themselves, or rather 'catapult' themselves, into the scene.
This method is not universally applied; sometimes it's fitting, and other times it's not, depending on the context. In the collection chosen for my publication with Setantabooks, there are numerous instances where this approach is employed. I hope that viewers will come away with a deep appreciation for Burano's beauty and a sense of having been transported into its vividly colored landscapes, even if through a more abstract or emblematic representation rather than a literal one.
Influence of Light, Color, and Shadow: How do you utilize the interplay between light, color, and shadow to achieve the distinct pictorial quality in your Burano photographs?
Color doesn't universally define my style; I reserve its use for when it truly augments the scene. In my Burano project, color undeniably adds significant value, so it's integral. However, for most other projects, I generally prefer black and white. The balance between light, color, and shadow is a culmination of my artistic journey. There isn't a concrete formula—it's an amalgamation of what has appealed to me and what hasn't, coupled with a continuous reflection on the reasons behind these preferences.
My primary goal with each photo is to create an image potent enough to stand alone on a wall, to be the sole focal point within a space. This ambition guides my series; I strive to avoid 'fillers' in my collections. I aim for each piece to be a 'banger,' a compelling visual narrative, ensuring that every image can hold its significance and impact independently.
To discover more about this intriguing body of work and how you can acquire your own copy, you can find and purchase the book here.
Mirko Saviane (Instagram) is an Italian photographer with roots deeply planted in the vivid landscapes of his birthplace, Milan, and his upbringing on Burano, a quaint island near Venice. His journey in the arts began with painting, a discipline that profoundly shapes his photographic vision, lending a unique depth and perspective to his work.
Saviane's project "B-Uranus" unveils the everyday life and vibrant hues of Burano, offering viewers a glimpse into the island's soul through his lens. His ability to translate the ordinary into visually stunning narratives speaks volumes of his craft. In collaboration with Setanta and Open Doors Gallery, Saviane has published "010 - Mirko Saviane," a photo book that encapsulates his journey and showcases his distinctive style.
His remarkable talent was recognized globally when he was nominated for the Magnum Photography Awards in 2017, marking a significant milestone in his career. Saviane's photography is notably marked by his masterful use of shadows and silhouettes, transforming everyday scenes into graphic and pictorial masterpieces. This signature style, deeply influenced by his background in painting, emphasizes the dramatic interplay of light, color, and shadow, making his work not only a visual experience but an emotional journey into the scenes he depicts.
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