Pierpaolo Rovero - My Artistic Inspiration Comes From Talking To People Through Social Media Many A Times (Artist)

Born in Turin in 1974, he lives in the same city where he works as an artist. In 1994 he began to collaborate both as a artist and as a screenwriter for the Walt Disney Company. At the same time he publishes several comic books in France, Holland and Belgium, including the noir series “Malone” (ed. Casterman) based on the novels of Michel Rio.He is the author of television commercials and short animated films. Since 2007, his artistic works have been exhibited in various galleries in Italy and abroad. He is a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Turin. His style fluctuates between graphics, painting, design illustration and comics.

1. Tell us about your background and journey

I’m Pierpaolo Rovero, age 46. I am an Italian artist living in Turin. My latest project is called “Imagine all the people”. The project was born watching the original video Imagine by John Lennon. There are John and Yoko: John plays the piano and sings, while Yoko opens all the windows of a large house. It is from the vision of this video that my new series of paintings is born. I decided to start a journey around the World representing people and cities.

2. When did you decide that you wanted to be a painter?

I started out as a cartoonist and advertising illustrator. I approached the world of art when some galleries contacted me to exhibit my works. In the latter period I have decided to devote myself exclusively to my artistic production.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

I have been working in the artistic field for over twenty years and I have never had economic difficulties. However, it takes dedication, care, trying every day to offer the best of yourself

4- Where do you get inspiration to create art?

My style’s influences range from Dutch painters of the sixteenth century to images of comics and cartoons. Everything that excites me influences me. Even the drawings of my three and five years old children.

Lately, many times inspiration comes from talking to people through social media.
Cities are built starting from photos and people's requests posted on Instagram. Many times I have received images or messages that have explained me the details about the individual cities.

The idea of Madrid was born during an evening, while watching the terrible images of the news. I received a message saying "here in Madrid we need to fly". I thought that in front of all that sufferance, there was no answer. But sex is an equally powerful call to life.

Jerusalem was realized during Easter. An Israelite friend made me discover how much the city was full of appeals from all religions. Even with San'a ', I was joined by a very kind Yemeni who gave me useful ideas. The participation of others is fundamental. It helps me to enter the atmosphere, to establish real contact with what I am imagining.

5. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

To be an artist you need to have three P:

Passion,
Patience
Perseverance.

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

My education largely depends on my reading. I can't think of a favorite book, but I can suggest a good title:

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. It’a great novel about the conflict between the desire to be integrated into the “adult” world and the inalienable need to be oneself, whatever the cost.