Biography
His artistic journey began in '95. Since then, research and in-depth study have brought him to express his art in the minimal form of graphics, initially on canvas and later on various materials or collages of materials linked to or contrasting with the subject of the work (including business cards, miniature holy pictures, plectra, sheet music, Indian ink drawings). The simplicity and symbolism are explicit, shown by black borders, by bold lines, or by the strength expressed through monochrome silhouette. The few and isolated objects featured take on the importance of pop icons, their conceptual significance amplified by the close-up, "wide-angle lens" shots and even more so by the narrow range of colours used and the absence of shadows seemingly excluded by the artist in order to leave the most space possible to simplicity. These objects provoke a slightly disorientating feeling that throws back an almost metaphysical mood. And a feeling of expectancy, loss and even nostalgia surfaces, depending on what the artist intended to provoke and on who's viewing the work, as we have seen in many of his pieces, by painting directly on the "memories" (symbolic objects collected over time) of whoever is commissioning his works.
At times, the work are clearly ironically provocative, such as S.OaP, where the silhouette of a church pew made up internally of soap packets is painted on miniature holy pictures, or as seen in S.Pill, where the shape of the work - an altarpiece - and the collage again of miniature holy pictures (on the inside of the alterpiece) contrast with the collage of medicine information leaflets (on the outside) and with the images of medicine blister packs.
Lorenzo Guaia has exhibited his work in various solo and group shows. In March 2010 he was awarded the Special Prize at the 4th "Arte Laguna International Art Prize".
