Arcangelo on Ceramics, Travel, and the Universal
Arcangelo (born 1956 in Avellino) discusses his lifelong engagement with ceramics, rooted in his connection to the earth and archaeological finds from southern Italy. He cites the Museo del Sannio, near his childhood home, as a key influence. The artist emphasizes the importance of artisans, whose workshops reveal local culture through materials, colors, and techniques. His travels in Mali—among the Dogon, Lobi, and Tuareg—deepened his sense of universality, linking African and Italian landscapes. Arcangelo sees ceramics as a natural extension of his painting, not merely plastic form. He describes himself as a 'curator' along the Ancient Appian Way, asserting the coherence of his artistic signature over 40 years.
Key facts
- Arcangelo was born in Avellino in 1956.
- He has always been interested in earth, universality, and travel between cultures.
- Archaeological finds from southern Italy, including terracotta heads and pot shards, inspired his artistic path.
- He lived near the Museo del Sannio until high school.
- Artisans are crucial to his work; he values the relationship and exchange of ideas.
- He traveled in Mali, visiting Dogon, Lobi, Mopti, Ségou, and Tuareg areas.
- He did not work with clay during his African travels due to lack of organization.
- He finds commonalities between southern Italy and African cultures.
- Universality for him means connecting thought, reading, life, and future projects.
- He considers ceramics a natural extension of his painting, not just sculpture.
- He compares himself to a curator of the Ancient Appian Way.
- The interview is part of a series 'Gli artisti e la ceramica' by Irene Biolchini.
Entities
Artists
- Arcangelo
- Miquel Barceló
Institutions
- Museo del Sannio
- Artribune
- University of Malta
- Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche in Faenza
Locations
- Avellino
- Italy
- Mali
- Dogon
- Lobi
- Mopti
- Ségou
- Tuareg
- Cerreto Sannita
- Sannio
- Africa
- Ancient Appian Way