Federico Solmi on New York, Market Speculation, and Family Balance

In an interview with Artribune, Italian-born artist Federico Solmi discusses his career trajectory, the current art market, and his personal life. Solmi, who moved to New York without formal art education, built his career from Brooklyn and New York shows before gaining recognition in Italy, Europe, and Asia. He criticizes the art market for prioritizing speculation over passion, noting that trends last only a year or two and that young artists often fall into the trap of chasing fads, leading to short-lived success. He observes a decline in true collectors and an increase in speculators globally. Regarding Italy, Solmi says he relies on hearsay but acknowledges supportive Italian collectors who buy through his American gallerists. He emphasizes that New York is not without challenges, with many artists unable to secure gallery representation. On family, Solmi describes it as a refuge and a source of balance, sacrificing sleep rather than time with his children. Looking ahead, he focuses on present projects and feels both serene in his maturity and anxious about meeting expectations. The interview was published in Artribune Magazine #48 by Santa Nastro.