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Futuro Antico. Interview with Pierpaolo Ferrari
19 nov 2023
Marco Bassan
The future is a bit dystopian, but we need to focus on personal growth. Interview with the photographer and creator of Le Dictateur and, together with Maurizio Cattelan, of Toiletpaper
What are your inspirational references in art?
Content, aesthetics, and genius. I consider myself omnivorous and always curious.
Which project represents you the most? Can you tell us about its genesis?
The latest Toiletpaper exhibition at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai encapsulates the “synthesis” of our entire journey with Toiletpaper. It’s an immersive and destabilizing experience. Toiletpaper's images gain meaning in front of the viewer through their experiences and cultural background. They exist precisely because of this exchange, and the meanings aren’t always the same from person to person. The exhibition in Mumbai was conceived and developed to emphasize this exchange. Our work poses questions, and we want answers!
How important is the concept of Genius Loci within your work?
In my world, place and work are one and the same. Maurizio and I find it hard to imagine our photos inside a gallery, hung on white walls with little plaques. Our desire is to step outside the institutional temple and create one of our own.
How important is the past in imagining and building the future? Do you think the future can have an ancient heart?
The present is the only reality that exists, the past is a narrative, and the future is uncertain!
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to follow in your footsteps?
It depends on their goals: Glory, Wealth, Fame. Or personal growth. I believe that focusing on personal growth will allow you to achieve the other three goals as well.
In an era defined as post-truth, does the concept of the sacred still hold importance and power?
You’re asking me about the meaning of life—perhaps it’s the most sacred thing there is...
How do you imagine the future? Could you give us three ideas that you think will shape the coming years?
Nuclear fusion, aliens, and blockchain.