The “visual anatomist” shares his thoughts on Donatella Versace, gentrification and Franco ‘Bifo’ Berardi.
1. Show us a sample of your work.
These are images from a project, Dalston Anatomy, all shot at the Ridley Road market, near where my studio is. I’ve always been really interested in people, or in this case neighbourhoods that are really close to a change or transformation. I come from Venice so I’m really interested because of what has happened there, the city has changed a lot and I’ve been a victim of this process. As soon as I moved to Dalston in London I recognised the same symptoms.
2. What themes/issues/ideas are in your mind at the moment?
Colonization. I have been doing a lot of research for my new project titled Money Must Be Made.
3.Which photograph are you currently obsessed with and why?
I am really obsessed with this photograph of an antique Menorcan blown glass vase. I love the green colour of it. It looks like it could have been the property of a mermaid, or the palace of a tiny, angry, self-important seahorse.
4.Which video you cannot stop watching?
5. Can you give us five links to things we should know?
II Art Block by South London Gallery
III Chess Club
IV Futurability by Franco ‘Bifo” Berardi
V The OGR
6. How many photos do you have right now on your phone? Share one?
Seven. I only take selfies on really important occasions. Here is Lady Gaga, Donatella and I.
7. Which artist would you most like to have sex with?
For me, there is only Donatella Versace.
8. What is the most coveted photo book you own and why?
This recent purchase, In Most Tides An Island by Nicolas Muellner. It is at once a glimpse of contemporary post-Soviet queer life, a meditation on solitude and desire, and an inquiry into the nature of photography and poetry in a world consumed by cruelty, longing, resignation and hope. You should all buy it asap.
9. What concerns you?
The fact that coral reefs are dying, that bars look the same all over the world, that my hair might be falling out, and that I don’t really like the taste of basil anymore.
10. What makes you happy?
Cow’s liver, misshapen vegetables, chalk, gauze, Fellini films, yams, sugar cane, dye and of course markets.
