“I HAD MY FIRST FLASH OF INSPIRATION FOUR YEARS AGO, RECYCLING PLASTIC CAPS!”. HE UNVEILS HIS LATEST WORK: A “SPECIAL” PIECE DEDICATED TO VESPA
“Special” (2024, 55x65) by Lorenzo Cantaluppi. Photo courtesy of the artist.
January 2025 (G.T.) – “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”, said Pablo Picasso. And artists, whether famous or up-and-coming, know this very well, always seeking to ‘dust off’ our souls and our gaze, to give us a shake and deliver an emotional experience. Young Como artist Lorenzo Cantaluppi agrees; the 25 old has a degree in Graphics and Communication. A great Vespa fan (“I have two vintage-style Vespa scooters: LX 50/C38 and PK 50”), he wrote to Wide magazine to share his story and his original artistic creations, inspired by everyday objects and materials. Over to him: “My journey as an artist started during the pandemic, four years ago, when I decided to start working at the Lurate Caccivio vaccine hub as an administrative assistant, in order to make an active contribution to the fight against Covid-19. Whilst working there, I noticed that every day, the caps from hundreds of needles (the syringes used to deliver the vaccines) were being thrown in the bin to be recycled. I decided to collect them, classify them according to size and height, colour them and put them together to make three-dimensional works of art.
From left, works by the artist Lorenzo Cantaluppi: logos from the most famous social networks created using 2,261 caps; tribute to the iconic diva Marilyn Monroe, using 2,304 caps.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lorenzo-Cantaluppi-100083336409281/
“A tribute to Roy Fox Lichtenstein, an American artist who was one of the leading exponents of Pop Art; the piece here is ‘Girl with Hair Ribbon’, created using 3,136 caps”, explains Lorenzo Cantaluppi. On the right, the artist is one of the finalists in the “Premio Arte” (2023), Museo della Permanente, Milan.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzocantaluppi__/
Using my initial idea as a starting point, over the last few years, I have continued on my journey as an artist, working on new projects using a range of different materials, most of which are recycled. At the end of 2024, I finished a work dedicated to the legendary Vespa, made entirely from wooden joints.”
“Special” (2024, 55x65) by Lorenzo Cantaluppi. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Vespa has always inspired art, and now it is the star of this new work by the Como artist, which he unveils to our readers in these photos. He also has an announcement: “The work ‘Special’ will be on display from 18 January to March 2025 at the Bar Festival in Sanremo (Italy), a location with excellent visibility just a few metres from the famous Arison theatre.” This is also where the 75th Italian Song Festival will be held, from 11-15 February 2025.
“Special” (2024, 55x65) by Lorenzo Cantaluppi, details. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Lorenzo can already boast a number of appearances (and prizes) in collective and solo exhibitions.
What is your ambition as an artist?
“My goal as an artist is to transform my art into something that goes beyond personal expression, turning it into a real profession. I want to spend more time and resources on creating, cultivation my passion in a comprehensive and sustainable way.”
Lorenzo adds: “At the same time, I want to extend the scope of my work, introducing my art to more and more people. This goal isn’t just about spreading the word about my art, but also enriching myself, inspired by my experiences in new areas which can inspire my creative process.”
Works by Lorenzo Cantaluppi, LH Frida Kahlo (45x45, 2,500 needle caps); RH Queen Elisabeth (70x70, 6,400 needle caps). Source: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzocantaluppi__/
You have created and exhibited works featuring famous figures; can people also commission portraits?
“Yes, I do portraits on commission, and I can also reproduce photographs which capture important moments and events. Knowing that my work can have a priceless emotional value to someone is extremely gratifying.”
Lorenzo, when was your passion for the iconic Vespa scooter born?
“My passion for the Vespa came about naturally. I was immediately interested in its unique design, characterised by the soft, rounded lines that make it a timeless icon of Italian taste and style. However, the Vespa won me over once and for all when I rode one for the first time during the summer, for a trip along Lake Como. The sense of freedom, the incredible landscapes and the thrill of enjoying that unique moment were all ingredients that made this experience unforgettable.”
LORENZO CANTALUPPI CONTACTS:
https://www.lorenzocantaluppi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lorenzocantaluppi__/
