Autore: Carmela Loiacono

INTERVIEW with Mohammad Kamal
Carmela Loiacono talks with Mohammad Kamal who takes part in the International Art Exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence in Matera, at cultural hypogeum Lega Navale Italiana Matera-Magna Grecia.

Carmela Loiacono – Please introduce yourself and talk about the selected artworks: “Contemplation”, “Morning Stillness” and “Mosque after rain” you presented during the exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence. 
Mohammad Kamal – Thank you for interviewing me! I am a landscape and portraiture photographer based in Dubai. Photography has been quite a journey for the past 10 years, and a source of creative fullfilment, physical and mental challenge, and a conduit for expression. I don’t do it for a living, and that’s probably a good thing as it has never crossed over into the realm of work, which I believe really affects the creative decisions available to you.
In terms of the works displayed at Natural Flow, you could say that “Contemplation” is a meditation on the unseen power of the mind, not through might, but through stillness. The sadhu’s gaze into the waters is about the quiet, unseen power of thought. The juxtaposition of spiritual traditions in the background (the temples and mosque on the hill top) brings out the universality of the moment. He is almost a vessel of something far greater; the frame holds a moment where time, faith, and thought converge—and in that convergence, a quiet authority emerges.
“Morning Stillness” holds far less symbolic value to me. The location is somewhat of a guarded secret that few guides will take you to. The subjects were arranged and posed for the shot. It’s really just a visual piece that has dream-like qualities, thanks to the type of light we had that morning, the mist in the background, and the reflection in water. It looks like one of those typical, traditional paintings from classical Chinese art.
“Mosque After Rain” is a well-kown composition here in the UAE, as it makes use of a shallow architectural feature in the foreground that collects rain water, and creates a reflection of the grand structure far in the background. I kept my gear on hand in the car for weeks as I drove past it every day towards my office. Finally, on a rare rainy afternoon, I rushed out to the spot and made it in time to capture the combination of dramatic sunset light, undisturbed water in the forground, and no cars driving by, for about 30 seconds. The months-long wait was worth it I think!

Carmela Loiacono – How would you describe your creative process? What or who influenced or is influencing your work?
Mohammad Kamal – I usually start with a blank slate and try to find locations or groups of people that may have interesting stories to capture. Social media is a great place to start, and sometimes I just pull up a world map and just scan across and see if any location or country has something about it that I would like to explore photographically. I’ve recently been making light use of AI to gather information about remote communities and under-photographed groups that could make for good, unique subject matter.
At exhibitions, I often meet photographers and enthusiasts who suggest ideas to me and at times those really open up entirely new directions that I had never considered before. I was exhibiting my large scale landscape prints in Sharjah, UAE, when a renowned photographer suggested I look at the monasteries in Meteora, Greece, because of the breathtaking natural setting surrounding them. 
That led me down a rabbit hole of exploring themes to do with monastic life and evetually spending time with the monks in a similar but far less accessible location, Mount Athos, and producing a documentary portraiture series about them. 
In my research, I came across a Youtube video of a documentary film made in the 1980s about the monasteries, and I took note of some obscure spaces that I was hoping were still around, including the ‘skull library’ shown here. Amazingly, we managed to locate it, and from that a unique and striking composition emerged. Some of the monks featured in the documentary from 40 years ago were still there. I recognized them instantly, and ended up spending invaluable time with them. So the lesson I learned from all this is that listening to input from anyone willing to share it is an invaluable way to find fresh ideas.
When I’ve got the basic theme or idea decided, I do a bit of planning, but leave a lot to be decided on the spot and on location. Some of my favorite images came about while responding to how the elements in the frame were behaving while I was shooting, rather than trying to force a composition. That to me is the best part of the whole process; discovering your subjects as you go along. It’s great to work with location guides and fixers who understand photographers and can draw my attention to something I would otherwise miss. 

Carmela Loiacono – What do you think about shared art on social media? Could it be an alternative way of communicating contemporary art?
Mohammad Kamal – It’s a great place to discover art, but nothing beats seeing quality prints on a gallery wall. I really like watching informed hosts interview or showcase great work on social media; it’s great exposure for emerging artists. 

Carmela Loiacono – What are your future goals and/or projects?
Mohammad Kamal – Artifical Intelligence is taking art and specifically photography, in a very interesting direction. On the one hand, hardward and software will change dramatically, making the entire workflow completely different. From focus acquisition and stacking to dynamic range and even composition, everything looks like it will make huge forward leaps very soon. 
On the other hand, AI is generating imagery that is arguably superior in impact to traditional landscape work, and that brings into question the relevance of authenticity; does it matter if a grand vista actually exists or not? I already feel like working with my DSLR camera, which I havent upgraded in almost 8 years, is now some form of retro/old school art, only a few years away from being consigned to the same niche categorization as film photography. 
I’ll probably spend some time figuring out how the medium reains relevant in the long run, and how I can adapt to all the changes. I’ve also found it increasingly difficult to find uniqie subject matter that someone hasn’t done before. Nevertheless, there’s an infinite number of ways to interpret a theme or idea, and that’s a good thing. I’m looking at locations such as the Algerian desert, Pakistan, and Mongolia for my next project. 

INTERVIEW with Philip van den Dool
Carmela Loiacono talks with Philip van den Dool who takes part in the International Art Exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence in Matera, at cultural hypogeum Lega Navale Italiana Matera-Magna Grecia.

Carmela Loiacono – Please introduce yourself and talk about the selected artworks: “Jardin de Monet Giverny-3, 4, 5, 6” you presented during the exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence. 
Philip van den Dool – I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Philip van den Dool. I am a Dutch artist, born in 1950 in The Hague. I pursued my artistic education alongside my career as a physicist-engineer in the 1980s at the Free Academy of Visual Arts in The Hague, where I was taught by inspiring artists. After retiring as an engineer, I dedicated myself further to my artistic pursuits, with a particular interest in the intersection of new technologies and art from an engineer’s perspective.
The introduction of the iPad in 2010 was a catalyst for me to explore this new medium. The direct way of painting, the vast color palette, and the ability to work with layers add a new dimension to two-dimensional art.
For the exhibition in Matera, NATURAL FLOW – Exploring Water’s Essence, I have selected four works from my series Jardin de Monet – Giverny. In June 2024, I had the opportunity to visit this garden, located 100 km west of Paris, which still exudes the same atmosphere found in Monet’s paintings. Based on photos and sketches taken on-site, I have captured my vision of this garden—its magnificent pond, water lilies, and characteristic bridge—on the iPad in my own style. In these digital paintings, water and the reflections of plants, trees, and objects play a crucial role, adding depth to the compositions.
In my iPad paintings, I employ a distinct style using various digital brushes, including dots, lines, and combinations of different forms. This approach creates a sense of depth and movement while maintaining an impressionistic atmosphere focused on light and color rather than rigid details. The combination of abstraction and recognizable elements makes my work contemporary yet also classically inspired.

Carmela Loiacono – How would you describe your creative process? What or who influenced or is influencing your work?
Philip van den Dool – My creative process begins with careful observation on location, followed by sketches and photographs. In my studio, I use these as a foundation to develop the artwork further on the iPad. Intermediate results are reviewed, and accents are adjusted. The iPad allows me to correct mistakes and experiment with new layers. Once the final piece reaches a satisfactory resolution, it is sent to a photo printer or printing service. Prints can be made in both small and large formats. For the Matera exhibition, I have chosen a 30×30 cm format, printed on art paper.
Among the artists who have influenced my work, I would like to mention Vincent van Gogh and David Hockney—one of the first artists to fully embrace the iPad as a painting medium.

Carmela Loiacono – What do you think about shared art on social media? Could it be an alternative way of communicating contemporary art?
Philip van den Dool – Social media offers an alternative way to share contemporary art. I personally use Instagram for this purpose, though I still prefer presenting my artwork in hardcopy form. Social media can be fleeting, and screens too small to fully appreciate the details. Large-format prints and physical presentations have a stronger impact on the viewer. However, a disadvantage of hardcopy prints is the need for international shipping, which comes with logistical challenges and costs. In this regard, digital works have an advantage, as they can be showcased globally without physical transportation.

Carmela Loiacono – What are your future goals and/or projects?
Philip van den Dool – My future goals and projects include various international and national exhibitions, as well as continuing to experiment and create new work. Participating in the Matera exhibition, NATURAL FLOW – Exploring Water’s Essence, aligns perfectly with these ambitions, and I hope to have the opportunity to visit Matera and Puglia and meet dr. Carmela Loiacono in the future.

INTERVIEW with Miyako Shimizu
Carmela Loiacono talks with Miyako Shimizu who takes part in the International Art Exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence in Matera, at cultural hypogeum Lega Navale Italiana Matera-Magna Grecia.

Carmela Loiacono – Please introduce yourself and talk about the selected artworks: “0058” and “0060” you presented during the exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence. 
Miyako Shimizu – This artwork expresses information from higher dimensions. It is a watercolor painting created using carefully selected washi paper and sacred water collected from two different sources. Holding a Lemurian crystal in my left hand, I meticulously paint a world beyond time and space on the paper.
The design varies according to the information received from higher dimensions, and each person resonates with different aspects. I am confident that these paintings serve as a switch to awaken and open the door to the potential of those who resonate with them.
A special message for you vibrates within the painting. I hope to deliver this message to those who are able to feel it. 0058/0060
The artworks are a pair, but not created simultaneously. The one completed before the spring equinox of 2024 is 0058, and the one completed after the equinox is 0060.

Carmela Loiacono – How would you describe your creative process? What or who influenced or is influencing your work?
Miyako Shimizu – The creative process does not involve deciding the final form from the beginning, but rather it unfolds as I paint. I carefully separate the colors and work on each line, so I would be happy if you take your time to observe even the smallest details.

Carmela Loiacono – What do you think about shared art on social media? Could it be an alternative way of communicating contemporary art?
Miyako Shimizu – I would like to share my art with as many people as possible through social media and reach those who need it. It is important for people to first become aware of it, then see it in person, and receive the energy it carries.

Carmela Loiacono – What are your future goals and/or projects?
Miyako Shimizu – I will continue to work on my creative endeavors. I plan to exhibit my works not only in Japan but also around the world, delivering them to those who can feel their energy. Thank you for your support!

INTERVIEW with Gwendoline Nalvarte
Carmela Loiacono talks with Gwendoline Nalvarte who takes part in the International Art Exhibition STORIES OF IDENTITY – From hidden places to daily life in Matera, at cultural hypogeum Lega Navale Italiana Matera-Magna Grecia.

Carmela Loiacono – Please introduce yourself and talk about the selected video art work: “Latin Swedish Women, 2024” you presented during the exhibition STORIES OF IDENTITY – From hidden places to daily life. 
Gwendoline Nalvarte – born Swedish artist. Concerning The Stories of Identity exhibition, I wanted it to be something organically made. All I wanted to do was to connect to the inner child, because I think connecting to the inner child… will unfold answers… So I asked, these women to write a letter to their individual inner child and that is how we started with a workshop. We actually filmed outside my house in the surroundings. I live close to a natural reserve and so we went outdoors and just being connected to nature. Being grounded in that way. So that felt… Organic and raw, somehow where we could be ourselves without any masks. 

Carmela Loiacono – How would you describe your creative process? What or who influenced or is influencing your work?
Gwendoline Nalvarte – Sometimes we lose the connection to who we really are inside and we are a bit, you know looking for answers. But really, it’s about looking inside and so I wanted to build this bridge, first for myself in developing the process, but also for these two women that I interviewed and that was part of the creative process… And then… that actually unfolded memories… And they remembered games, that they have kind of kept locked in the back of their heads. So it was fascinating to look that happening right there. 
Frida Kahlo, because of her unfiltered human experience, the power of authentic storytelling, the vulnerability.
Salvador Dalí, because of… the surrealism and boundary pushing visuals… which in this case, I didn’t use it as much in that short video piece that I had. But there are elements that I considered when exploring… the physical. 
Agnes Varda, who is a documentary filmmaker from France. She is such a dynamical… eh… influence because of her energetic candor and she is also very intimate with the things that she films and I like that. 
Lastly, Paramahansa Yogananda, because of the spirituality and her focus of introspection.

Carmela Loiacono – What do you think about shared art on social media? Could it be an alternative way of communicating contemporary art?
Gwendoline Nalvarte – I believe social media it’s a vital tool for Art communication because it democratizes Art connecting people and stories that might otherwise be unseen. It allows us to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers through, features like… Multilingual subtitles now we have that so we live in a world where now we are having all these different tools and we should use them, but the way on how we use them plays in the intention. It’s all about the intention. 

Carmela Loiacono – What are your future goals and/or projects?
Gwendoline Nalvarte – Well, I want to continue on portraying different women in Sweden. Sweden it’s a small country with about ten million people, but we do have about over a million of immigrants or generational mixed races, ethnicities and cultures, nonetheless. So I want to explore that. I look forward to it to interview and… to meet different cultures within Sweden, to explore and also to raise awareness, because there is so much we can learn from these women.