The traditional combined with modern – Antony Squizzato

Simplicity and clarity have dominated design and illustration for past few years. Geometrical shapes are great particles to use in order to achieve these trending premises. However, not every artist can put them into the right place, to form bright composition and overall, coherent artwork. Antony Squizzato certainly can.

A viewer of Squizzato’s work is immersed into the realm where geometrical shapes are conjuncted to produce complex yet the engrossing representation of reality. After longer inspection, the viewer can clearly see the art styles that influenced the artist. Cubism, Constructivism, Suprematism, Bauhaus, and Pop-Surrealism have all had an impact on Squizzato, yet it is hard to strictly assign his art style into a particular category (note: no artist likes to be pigeonholed, so only for the sake of it, let’s not do it :).

What artist has been the most inspiring for you and your work?

I have always been fascinated by artists who break away from the past and tradition, bringing a new paradigm as a mirror to society. Suprematism and Constructivism in Russia were major discoveries for me, their desire to seek other ways outside academia. Also their theories about restricting forms and functions to convey a universal language, and the support of political change.

My favourite painter is Paul Klee; every time I see one of his pieces, I feel like diving into something different. His use of deep layers, fragile lines, timeless colours, make his work so visionary, he is still a major influence for a whole new generation of digital designers. I like the fact that he was very rational but also very metaphoric and instinctive. He explored many media, from puppets theatre to volume or painting, with no care of the market rules. He was also a fantastic musician, and together with Kandinsky, explored some way to materialise music, which led to many publications that are still relevant today.

How has your career in the digital advertising industry influenced you as an artist?

I started my company in 1999, and worked there for 15 years, from graphic designer to creative director. I enjoyed the first years mostly because it was all about experimentation and the idea of living “the apple dream” here in Auvergne, a small region in the centre of France. I have always been very greedy for new tools, so I have experienced many digital techniques : font design, flash 2D animation, 3D animation, UX design, art direction, 2D illustration. It gives me the ability the switch from one tool to another according to my needs.

I have spent hours tweaking digital programs to find the “best” render. Also, I have collaborated a lot with photographers, artists, animators, which has widened my visual culture. Today, I am more into finding the simpler and most universal way to express an idea. I am no longer a digital slave. Another influence from my years as an art director is the research into the “efficiency” of an image, but not its rentability.

I like when an artwork has several levels of readability: you can dive into it easily, but come back to it time to time again.

What is yourfavourite part of a creative process (idea formation / sketching / final drawing)?

My favourite part is when the idea comes into my head. There is a shot of adrenaline. It can make me feel happy even if the page is still blank. I sometimes speak of artworks that I haven’t painted yet, but they are here, clear in my mind.

The rest is just about being in a parallel dimension where time does not matter anymore. A space of freedom that I can be afraid of leaving – eg : finishing the piece. This is why I always have several series on the easel, and many more in my mind.