We have talked with Andrea Greggio, known as “crudeoil2.0” in the art world, for this week’s issue of “Discover Our Artists.”
Andrea Greggio, “crudeoil2.0”
Andrea is a contemporary artist born in Italy. Andrea’s work specializes in digital art. With the perspective, which is familiar to all through social media, the artist’s works display how social media shifted into a religion and a new creek in the digital age. To know the artist better and understand the artworks criticizing the society while diving into social, aesthetic canons, and appearances, we prepared this candid interview.
First of all, I want to ask you that do you think that you find your style? If so, how do you define it?
I don’t think I have a specific style. I just focused on my feelings and let that gut feeling inspire me and help me out.
What inspires you the most while creating?
What inspires me the most is definitely what surrounds us at the moment and what social media is showing us. Using what was considered “classic art” and applying the new standard of society, my goal was to enhance and compare the old and new standards’ contrasts. In my imagination, my art is my way of critiquing the modern society we live in.
“The turning point for my art was definitely during my final graduation exam project.”
Do you think that you get influenced by the books? Do you have favorites?
I am not a massive fan of books; I love watching many TV series, especially documentaries that talk about art and contemporary art in particular.
My all-time favorite documentary is called “Social Dilemma,” which inspired me to create my works. “Social Dilemma” talks about how social media and technology have taken almost complete control of our lives, and the documentary shows without filters how technology can manipulate us daily.
Which paintings do you have in your house?
I have some copy paintings of Banksy, lots of pop-art prints from Andy Warhol.
“Sensitive Content” 2021, Digital Art 42cm x 56cm
“Using what was considered “classic art” and applying the new standard of society, my goal was to enhance and compare the old and new standards’ contrasts.”
Do you follow other artists’ works? Which ones?
I do like Christopher Boffoli’s works and Tvboy.
What was the first exhibition you visited?
My first ever exhibition was at the Pinacoteca di Brera, in which I fell in love with Hayez’s famous painting called “il Bacio.”
Do you have any turning points in your life regarding your art?
The turning point for my art was definitely during my final graduation exam project. As a senior Fashion Design student, it came to an end where I wasn’t satisfied with my collection. It was that moment that I realized I needed to focus more on what I liked doing: I realized it was my calling these graphic and more visual work.
“Narciso 2.0” 2020, Digital Art 50cm x 45
“DREAM BIG. If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.Always express yourself, no matter what.”
Which city do you live in? Do you get inspiration from your city?
I live in Abbiategrasso at the moment. It’s a small town not far away from Milan, Italy.My town is a relatively classic Italian old town, where everything seemed to have stopped modernizing a few decades ago. Being born in a much modern generation, breaking barriers and mixing old and new is partly thanks to living in this town.
How do you earn life? Are there other things you do besides your art to survive?
I just finished my bachelor’s degree recently. I’ve done a couple of part-time jobs to help myself economically, working on some graphics for a local eyeglasses shop.
Which tools do you use regularly?
I usually use Adobe programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AfterEffects for animations.
Lastly, do you have any advice for emerging artists?
DREAM BIG. If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough. Always express yourself, no matter what.
Thank you for your participation.
Thanks.
