3 contemporary artists from Naples that you can meet in the historic centre

Naples is undoubtedly a city with a millennia-old history that stretches back to ancient times. A place that has always nourished and inspired numerous artists. But did you know that Naples is in love with contemporary art? From the "Metrò dell'Arte" (Art Metro) to the Madre Museum, and even the squares that fill up with extraordinary artists, Naples always has room for the latest trends in visual arts. That's why we have thought of three Neapolitan artists to introduce to you, each associated with their respective neighborhoods. In this special interview, we delve into the artistic world of three talented contemporary artists from Naples: Gustavo Pozzo, Roxy in the Box, and Luigi Grossi.

Join us to discover their connection with Naples, the places that inspire them the most, and where their creations come from.

Gustavo Pozzo is an artist who lives and works at Salita Cariati n° 8, in the heart of the Spanish Quarters in Naples.

As a cultural operator, he stands out for his self-taught background and his ability to explore different techniques and artistic styles without constraints.

His artistic experience is characterized by exploration and experimentation. Gustavo Pozzo embraces various mediums, such as painting, sculpture, installations, and mixed media, to give form to his ideas. This versatility allows him to communicate his vision through different artistic languages, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic conventions.

What is the relationship between your art and Naples?

"The relationship between my art and Naples is a timeless one, as art is ingrained in the fabric of this city. I take randomly captured photos of city details and transform them into abstract forms through computer modifications. Naples provides me with a constant source of inspiration for my art."

Which place in the city inspires you the most?

"The places that inspire me the most are the historic center with its unchanged streets and the ever-moving sea. These locations capture my attention and offer creative insights for my artworks."

Who is your favorite reference artist?

"Among European artists, my favorite is definitely Gerhard Richter. I admire his perspective that considers photography as a reference point to start from and his ability to dematerialize colors. From the American school of abstract expressionism, I prefer artists like Pollock, Rothko, and De Kooning."

Roxy in the Box is a contemporary artist who uses Pop Art and everything that resides on the surface as her expressive medium, fully harnessing the languages and icons associated with it.

She lives and fully embraces the city of Naples, with all its nuances, enriching its eccentric and vibrant image with her personal reflection on the individual and their struggles, pain, and solitude. Speaking about herself, she reveals that "Cinema and literature are her primary sources of inspiration. Internet is her third arm, while music acts as a sedative."

We asked her: What is the relationship between your art and Naples?

"Like in any passionate relationship, conflicts are always present. Naples is a lover who often betrays those who have chosen to stand by her side, and perhaps this tumultuous relationship is what always starts everything from this place. It's an incessant insistence, just like my work. The more I see and feel obstacles, the more I dive into it."

Which place in the city inspires you the most?

"I especially love Naples from above, where it seems that everything is perfectly immersed in its natural beauty, where everything fits together flawlessly. I feel like flying over it and landing in any alley to have coffee at someone's home and listen to their stories. But when I step out for a walk, the seafront is my favorite destination. The coastline always gives me a sense of infinity, of something that will never end. It's a kind of recharge that tells me not to stop, it conveys the timeless and gives me the peace I need when I'm afraid I won't make it."

Who is your favorite reference artist?

"I really like the female wave of Pop Art, starting from the 1960s. I don't have a specific reference artist, but I draw inspiration from various artistic influences.

Let's return to the Spanish Quarters with artist Luigi Grossi; born in 1949, he gained recognition from the public and critics in 1999 with an exhibition at the La Gioconda Gallery in Naples. Since then, he has showcased his works in various venues in Italy and abroad, arousing the interest of experts in the field.

His artistic formation has been strongly influenced by significant figures in contemporary Neapolitan art, such as Notte, Chiancone, Brancaccio, and Vincenzo Montefusco, with whom he has formed a true friendship.

Grosso is dedicated to a continuous and tireless search within himself and visually. He explores the languages of modernity, which he has eagerly absorbed in recent years, pushing them towards a daring and illusory contemporaneity.

We asked him: What is the relationship between your art and Naples?

"My relationship between art and Naples is a symbiosis! My native land has given me birth and a view that sees not only the Neapolitan panorama but leads me to seek further meaning. Naples inspires me in an existential search. It's as if this city offers me a perfect framework for my works."

Which place in the city inspires you the most?

"The place where I find inspiration is Via Lungo Gelso 49, in my studio Q.S. Apri Sipario. It's a microcosm that, with its long history, opens up to a myriad of suggestions. Here, the Room of Emily Dickinson was opened, my correspondent in dreams, who toured the neighborhoods of Naples a few years ago. Between dreams and fantasy, I find inspiration in my studio."

Who is your favorite reference artist?

"My favorite artist and a great point of reference for many years was Augusto Perez, but after paying homage to his memory for a long time, my art now shies away from academic settings and is in constant experimentation fueled by ever-new suggestions."