Celebrity Artist Interview Antonio Del Prete
Words by Courtney Wilkins
Too busy looking forward, we often miss out on how far we have come. Taking time to appreciate historic artists, such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Poussin and Boucher, is sometimes needed to remind us of the beauty of the past. Thus providing the opportunity for growth, not only within oneself, but in art.
We must not only learn the proper technique of our craft, but pay homage to those before us that paved the way. Artist Antonio Del Prete revisits past artists and artwork from the Baroque Period for inspiration in his “Masters Remixed” series. Remaking Baroque paintings, he manipulates his work to provoke emotions and responses. Highlighting recent and current societal artwork he challenges the human form, a sense of motion, visual composition and all that embraces scenes that appear in the real world.
Del Prete takes pride in introducing new generations of Baroque, paying tribute to forgotten Baroque artists. His recent work “Masters Remixed” incorporates 3D elements, including 24 karat gold leaf, pearls and Swarovski crystals. Exaggerating contemporary politics and other issues among his current work, it brings awareness to common controversies, such as his “BacDonalds” piece, which addresses childhood obesity head on.
What comes to mind when you hear the historical phrase “Bite the Bullet”?
That someone makes the best out of a bad situation. I do so by using my art.
#ASKTHEGAYS was trending after Donald Trump’s recent interview, referring to the Orlando shooting. How might you translate this to your work?
Trump is an idiot and it really troubles me that he went this far. All of my works reflect the sociopolitical aspects of the world I live in. Right now, everyone is doing Trump material so I will probably wait a while.
What comes to mind when you hear the historical phrase “Cat got your tongue”?
I do have a lot to say on this, but it’s easier for me to say through my art, as English is my second language.
Most voters are saying the current presidential race is a circus, therefore they are not taking it serious. How has this influenced your art?
Being in America right now is like having front row seat to a freak show. This kind of material is basically fuel for my art.
What comes to mind when you hear the historical phrase “Rule of Thumb”?
That “Rules of Thumb” are made to be broken.
How do you feel when you hear that most politicians consider the 2017 presidential race a lose-lose campaign?
This is a very big question and I would agree with them. The two party system does not work, but I think the political problems in this country are larger than just who becomes president or not.
Currently in Italy the economy is declining and less jobs are being offered. Being from Italy, is this an opportunity to do an inspired “Shepherd Ferry” with your artwork?
The part of Italy where I come from, Naples, there was a 50% unemployment rate before the recession. The economy in Italy has never been strong. I’ve been living in Los Angeles for 20 years now and my main inspiration comes from the facts, and the fictional theories, that are occurring in America. Italy, yes is a part of me and it is reflected in all of my art.
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