reality is nothing but a misconception w/Alessandro Malossi

Does being in-between always mean fitting in? Or is it a way of forming reality through conceptual ways? Either way, the fact remains the same—reality is nothing but a misconception. 

The mundane has a lot of stories to tell, if you know where to search for it. When you stick your fingers through the cracks of reality, you’ll find yourself in the playground of Alessandro Malossi. Images are often quiet, but here they speak louder than words. Each piece is a deliberate provocation, crafted to make the familiar feel unnervingly strange. He is a provoker, in his unique ways “By altering reality, I can evoke new perspectives and challenge preconceived notions.” Think you’ve got it figured out? Come take a closer look then.

DUYGU Let’s start from the beginning. How did you start? 

ALESSANDRO I’ve been fortunate enough to always have a clear sense of what I wanted to do with my life. From a young age, I was drawn to creative expression. I remember filling the walls of my house with drawings—much to my mother’s frustration at the time. Eventually, she also recognized that art was my true calling. Since then, my parents have been incredibly supportive, encouraging my passion and making sure I had the resources to pursue my studies. Their unwavering belief in my vision allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my artistic journey. 

DUYGU What urges you to create? 

ALESSANDRO It’s the one thing that gives me a profound sense of safety and purpose. I often describe it as my life’s mission, something that gives me direction. There’s a deep-seated urge to create within me, it’s an integral part of who I am. Without it, I would feel lost, as if I wouldn’t know how to navigate the world. 

DUYGU How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it? 

ALESSANDRO I would say my art exists at the intersection of irony, discomfort, and impact. It challenges the viewer, sometimes unsettling them in a way that prompts reflection. There’s a strong undercurrent of humor and wit layered within themes that disrupt the norm, creating a visual experience that stays with you long after you’ve seen it. 

DUYGU Do you use art as escapism or as a way of reflecting who you are? 

ALESSANDRO I think it’s an equal balance of both. On one hand, art allows me to step into a different reality, to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and immerse myself in a world of my own creation. In the other, it’s a reflection of my inner self, a way to express who I am, my experiences, and how I percieve the world. It’s a delicate dance between escaping and revealing. 

DUYGU Could you share some insights into your creative process? 

ALESSANDRO It’s quite fluid, often influenced by the world around me and my own instincts. Sometimes, I draw inspiration from everyday life, transforming mundane experiences into something more profound. At other times, I delve into universal themes that everyone can relate to, aiming to resonate on a broader level. Then, there are moments when my ideas seem to emerge spontaneously, without any specific trigger, as though they were already there, waiting to be realized. 

DUYGU Do you have any advice for creatives? 

ALESSANDRO My biggest piece of advice is to embrace vulnerability and take risks. Don’t shy away from exposing yourself and your ideas, even if it feels uncomfortable. Focus on creating things that speak to you personally, rather than worrying about pleasing others. Art should be an authentic expression of your vision, not a bid for approval. Experiment with different approaches, and don’t be afraid to fail along the way—it’s all part of the process. 

DUYGU What do you think originality means in terms of art? How do you stay true to yourself in your work in this world of constant exposure? 

ALESSANDRO Originality is complex. For me, it comes from the consistency of one’s vision and voice. I focus on creating a distinctive aesthetic through recurring themes and subjects, both conceptually and visually. Even in a world flooded with content, I stay true to myself by revisiting ideas and motifs that resonate deeply with me. In a way, consistency becomes its own form of originality, reflecting the unique perspective through which I view the world.

DUYGU The relationship between social media and your work: is it the best way to spread it? 

ALESSANDRO In today’s digital age, social media is undeniably one of the most effective platforms for sharing and spreading art. It offers unparalleled access to a global audience and provides immediate feedback and engagement. Though it has its limitations, I believe it’s an indispensable tool for any contemporary artist.

DUYGU What role does abstraction play in your art, and how does it serve as a medium for exploring deeper truths? 

ALESSANDRO In my case, I wouldn’t necessarily call it abstraction, but rather a form of surrealism. I enjoy taking familiar objects and completely transforming them, stripping them of their conventional meanings and imbuing them with new significance. This process allows me to explore deeper truths and question the way we interpret the world around us. By altering reality, I can evoke new perspectives and challenge preconceived notions. 

DUYGU How does your artistic process mirror the complexities of modern life? Is there a specific narrative you aim to convey through your work? 

ALESSANDRO A recurring theme in my work is a focus on contemporary issues. I aim to engage with topics that are relevant and reflective of the world we live in, but always through my own perspective. My art doesn’t just mirror modern life—it critiques and reinterprets it, pushing viewers to question the status quo and consider alternative viewpoints.

DUYGU Given that your methods are far from traditional, in what ways do you think your cultural background influences your artistic vision and the themes you explore? 

ALESSANDRO I believe that meaningful art requires a strong foundation in culture and history. While my work isn’t overtly tied to any specific cultural tradition, my understanding of the world, along with my awareness of past and present events, shapes the way I approach my art. My background gives me a framework to push boundaries and explore themes that resonate not just with me, but with society at large. In this sense, social media becomes a venue for dialogue—almost like an open exhibition space.

DUYGU What can you say about the importance of viewer interaction with your art? Can you discuss the role personal interpretation plays in the meaning of your work?

ALESSANDRO I place a great deal of importance on viewer interaction. I intentionally leave a lot of room for personal interpretation, often giving my pieces generic titles to avoid imposing a fixed narrative. This allows the viewer to engage with the artwork on their own terms, bringing their unique experiences and perspectives into the dialogue. In this way, the meaning of my work is always evolving, shaped by the ongoing interaction between the art and its audience.

DUYGU How do you envision the future of your artistic practice? Are there new themes or mediums you are excited to explore? 

ALESSANDRO I’m currently exploring art direction more extensively, which feels like a natural progression for me. I think it’s time for my art to take a leap beyond the digital sphere and evolve into something that encompasses a broader range of mediums and experiences. The possibilities ahead are endless, and I’m genuinely excited to see where this journey will take me.

DUYGU Do you care about people’s opinions on you? 

ALESSANDRO To a certain extent, yes. While I don’t let others’ opinions dictate my creative choices, I do believe in maintaining a dialogue with your audience. That said, I prioritize staying true to myself and my vision, even if that means not always meeting others’ expectations.

DUYGU One thing you can’t live without.

ALESSANDRO Definitely my iPad and good music. They’re essential tools for my creative process and help me stay focused and inspired while I work. 

DUYGU A confession about yourself?

ALESSANDRO I suffer from anxiety at levels that feel almost cosmic in scale. It’s something I’ve learned to manage, but it’s always there in the background.  

“In a way, consistency becomes its own form of originality, reflecting the unique perspective through which I view the world.”