Andrea Fais on Being a Young Artist in Milan Today

In an interview with Artribune, Milanese artist Andrea Fais (b. 2001) reflects on the challenges and opportunities of being a young artist in Milan. The conversation follows recent debates about the absence of Italian artists at the 2026 Venice Biennale, with critics Angela Vettese, Fabrizio Ajello, and Alberto Villa highlighting systemic issues in Italy's art scene. Fais describes his studio in Cologno, a suburb of Milan, as a space of protection and experimentation. He credits early support from figures like Gaspare Luigi Marcone, who invited him to exhibit at The Open Box, and collector Giulia Colussi, who founded the LETTERA project in Venice. LETTERA debuted at Palazzo Bragadin Carabba during the 2026 Biennale, featuring Fais's works from the series 'Brillare prima di sparire' (2023–ongoing) and bronze sculptures of shrimp with flowers. Fais's practice explores themes of disappearance, fragility, and irony, using materials like iron sheets corroded by time and gold-plated boogers. He cites the influence of Milan's precise, productive, and neurotic character on his work. Fais also mentions key relationships with artists Simone Brambilla and Rita Lucchini, curators Bruno Muzzolini, Vittorio Corsini, Matteo Negri, and Gianluca Ranzi, and references a quote by critic Francesco Bonami about art's power to enchant.