Art By Maximo creates fluid and structural works of art. He surrenders himself to the nature of matter. It monitors the development of tissues and chemical processes. It also acts under their direction. Creating works that appeal to the senses of the audience is realized by following this process.
Interview by Ummuhan Kazanc
Dear Art by Maximo, what would you like us to call you? What is your real name? Why do you use the name Art by Maximo?
You are welcome to call me Maximo. It is my middle name, which I use as my first artist name.
How did your history of interest in art begin? Did you receive any training for it?
If you go back in time, my interest in art began when I was a child. I drew and painted like crazy on paper and canvas as a child and made fancy gift boxes. Especially I was and still am very fascinated by color gradients and all the nuances of a color tone.
Art By Maximo, “Australian Desert Ground”, Acrylic on Canvas Size: 100 x 40 cm, Height: 1.6 cm.
You create flowing and textured works of art. Emotions are important to you and you love textures and chemical processes. What can you tell us about your art style? What is the importance of abstract art to you?
Exactly. I try to combine subtle shades of color in my work, and I like to work in a reduced way, choosing material and color specifically. It is important to me that textures and colors mesh neatly. This leads to the fact that my work is reduced and fine. For me, abstract art means expressing impressions through emotional expression, by ultimately creating new visual concepts.
What does "Wabi-Sabi" mean to you?
Wabi means taking pleasure in solitary silence and austerity. Sabi means to show maturity and patina. These two components combine into a mindful concept that inspires me. Ultimately, it's about austere simplicity. For example, I find a pottery clay bowl that has an imprecise, out-of-round shape incredibly beautiful.
Art By Maximo, “Coloratura”, Acrylic on Canvas, Size: 50 x 70 cm.
You love traveling, and nature and you are also very sensitive to environmental issues. How does that affect your art?
I gather tons of ideas during my encounters with nature, and that intensifies even more through travel. So far, I've been lucky enough to immerse myself in different climates all over the world. This made me increasingly sensitive to environmental issues as well. My latest series thematizes in abstract form the theme of ice - in the series: Important Ice.
The reaction of the public to your works in your exhibitions should be very important for you. How do these reactions contribute to your art?
The reactions from the audience strengthen an artist immensely and I am very grateful for that. With the necessary reflection, it also gives you a response back, from which you can see which paths you can better pursue.
Do you continue to have relationships with the people who buy your work or with collectors? How does it feel to see your artwork on their walls?
So far, I've been able to sell works internationally. That's where the customers tend to remain anonymous. But some buyers have already bought several works. Of course, it feels great to know where the paintings will be exhibited. I am always impressed by how well works of art are integrated into living spaces.
What would you like to say to our visitors who would like to buy your works from the All-in-Line website?
I am grateful for any interest, no matter how small or large. It is simply an immense pleasure when one can send one's works on a new journey.
Art By Maximo, “Iceberg”, Acrylic on Canvas, Size: 50 x 70 cm.
Five Global Holdings, Dubai/ UAE is the owner of several 5-star luxury hotels in Dubai and Zurich. You have made artwork for the Luxury - Hotel FIVE Zurich. Can you tell us something about this project? How many words did you prepare for this hotel and what was the theme of the works?
The hotel chain is opening the first luxury hotel in Europe in the summer of 2022. They were looking for a regional artist who would deal with the theme of nature. The commissioned architect wrote me an email and we got into a conversation about the commission. I created 3 works of art for the check-in area. Each work is 1.2m x 1.4m and is mounted on heavy aluminum panels. The commission was a challenge in this special size which I grew from.
You were also chosen as the Artist of the Month for January 2021 by It’s Liquid Group, Venice/Italy. Can we know your feelings?
I was completely surprised at that time and felt confirmed for the first time to be on the right path. A month later I was even allowed to exhibit my works in the gallery in Venice, directly on St. Mark's Square. That was then a great continuation.
You exhibit your artwork all over the world. What are your next projects?
In May 2022 I will exhibit at the International Art Fair Art Muc in Munich. A gallery from Venice has just offered me a 2-year collaboration, which means that I will also automatically participate in various art fairs in Italy and the gallery will also present me on online art platforms. Furthermore, I also produce a series for the Fondazione Modigliani. This is a permanent exhibition in Venice about the artist Amedeo Modigliani but also contemporary artists in a temporary exhibition. My works are expected to be seen on 09.2022.