Andrea Bonaceto explores the fusion of human creativity and AI in his recent collaboration with Sophia the Robot. His journey began with a profound encounter with Wassily Kandinsky’s ‘Concerning The Spiritual in Art.’ ‘The Seasons of Life,’ one of his notable works, contemplates life’s cyclical nature and our connection to the inevitable cycles of existence. In our interview, Andrea shares his influences, including music, literature, philosophy, poetry, and visual art. His art serves both personal liberation and the promotion of universal discourse. He reflects on the world of NFT art, advocating for prioritizing art’s meaning and authenticity over the NFT hype.
NFT Granny: “Dear Andrea, thank you very much for taking your precious time. In your collaboration with Sophia the Robot, what was the most surprising or unexpected outcome from this AI partnership?“
Andrea Bonaceto: In embarking on the collaboration, we intentionally held no predefined expectations, allowing every outcome to be a revelation. Commencing the project in 2020, our aim was to delve into the uncharted territory of artistic collaboration between humans and AI robots. Believing in the augmentation of human creativity through AI, I have continued to integrate this technology into various artistic endeavors, consistently experimenting with the convergence of tech and art to shape a novel artistic language.
How did you first become interested in art, and how did you get started with it yourself?
Andrea Bonaceto: I’ve been captivated by art since my early years, influenced by my mother, who is a painter. Although my initial passions leaned towards philosophy, poetry, and music, a transformative moment occurred when I delved into Wassily Kandinsky’s ‘Concerning The Spiritual in Art.’ This sparked a deeper interest in visual art. With a diverse set of interests, my mission has been to use technology to blend various art forms into a distinctive practice. Visual art, to me, serves as a synthetic medium to convey profound concepts.
Could you tell us more about the story of your 2021 work “The Seasons Of Life”?
Anrea Bonaceto: The inspiration for ‘The Seasons of Life’ struck me during a train journey back from a meeting with a prominent traditional artist in 2021. This artwork contemplates the cyclical nature and universal essence of life. Despite our perception of being the protagonists in our own stories, we are all bound to the inevitable cycles of life and death—a reality we must solemnly embrace. Over time, I’ve come to realize that this acknowledgment is easier said than done in practice. For me, creating art is a conscious endeavour to authentically manifest myself throughout the journey of my existence.
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Which of your artworks are you most proud of?
Andrea Bonaceto: Selecting a single artwork I’m most proud of is challenging. Pieces like AB INFINITE 1, auctioned at Christie’s Evening Sale, stand out for the recognition received. Yet, the true source of pride lies in creations born from a sincere attempt to express my authentic self. The real challenge back in the days was having the courage to present my deeply personal creations to the world. Having the courage to take that leap is what I’m most proud of. What I’m focusing on for the future is for maintaining integrity in my artistic journey and intentions, fostering a deeper connection with people through my art.
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Is there an artist you would like to work with? Like a collaboration?
Andrea Bonaceto: There are several artists I admire and truly connect with. I’m currently engaged in some exciting collaborations. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal any names just yet.
We are curious 🙂 Would you be willing to share any plans of upcoming projects?
Andrea Bonaceto: I’m working on several very exciting projects at the moment. I tend to be very selective on the projects I embark on focusing on quality over quantity. I want to ensure every new project is a step forward from where I’m right. Each new release should help define a more profound representation of my artistic vision.
Who or what are your biggest influences or sources of inspiration?
Andrea Bonaceto: Delving into various art fields, my greatest influences span a diverse range. Here are the top three picks for each category:
- Music: Leonardo Cohen, Bob Dylan, Fabrizio De Andrè
- Literature: Fëdor Dostoevskij, Lev Tolstoj, Hermann Hesse
- Philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche, Arthur Schopenhauer, Swami Vivekananda
- Poetry: Eugenio Montale, Dino Campana, Fernando Pessoa
- Visual Art: Wassily Kandinsky, Vincent Van Gogh, Michelangelo Pistolett
Is there something specific you are trying to express with your art?
Andrea Bonaceto: Yes, I aim to operate at two levels with my art.
Firstly, it’s about personal liberation – using art to enhance my humanity, achieve maximum freedom, and align harmoniously with society. This, I’ve come to learn, is one of the most challenging yet rewarding endeavours.
Secondly, I strive to engage with people, and promote a harmonious, universal discourse. While it may sound utopian, echoing Machiavelli’s wisdom to aim at the moon to reach the stars, I believe in art’s power to unite people, foster dialogue, and overcome societal divisions. In today’s fragmented society, art becomes a tool to bring people together, creating a new language and vocabulary. In my works, I often aim to co-create with viewers, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience. It’s a process in the making, but this second step is attempting to embrace humanity as a whole through the transformative light of art.
What do you feel when you are creating new art?
Andrea Bonaceto: Creating art brings me a profound sense of calmness and peacefulness, allowing me to connect with my deepest, most authentic self. Even in moments of distress, art becomes a transformative lens, helping me gain perspective and cool down. It reminds me that in the grand game of life, nothing should be taken too seriously.
What do you feel the moment a project you’ve created dropped?
Andrea Bonaceto: Upon the release of a project, I typically find my thoughts already drifting toward the next endeavour. Embracing the full scale of a completed project is a challenge for me. Instead of appreciating the achieved success, my focus tends to shift towards what’s next. It’s an ongoing process for me to learn to appreciate the present and the accomplishments at hand, a balance I’m actively working on achieving.
Do you remember the first time you heard about NFT Art?
Andrea Bonaceto: I first came across NFTs in 2017. Initially, NFT applications were primarily associated with collectibles and gaming. It wasn’t until around 2020 that I noticed NFTs gaining significant traction, particularly in the realm of art.
How do you enjoy the NFT Art you have collected? Do you have a way to display it for example at home?
Andrea Bonaceto: Yes, I do have a digital screen where I display some of the art I have collected.
What would be your biggest wish for the NFT Art scene? What is currently missing / not fully developed to reach full potential out of it?
Andrea Bonaceto: My biggest wish for the NFT art scene is to shift the conversation away from NFTs themselves and refocus on the art. NFTs should be viewed as tools certifying ownership of digital goods, whether artworks or other unique digital assets.
What’s currently missing is a deeper exploration of meaning. The discourse often feels superficial, lacking a profound connection to human philosophy. There’s room for more in-depth exploration and research in this space.
What is the most disturbing thing when it comes to NFTs and cryptoart in your opinion?
Andrea Bonaceto: The most unsettling aspect, in my view, lies in the overwhelming need to consume an excessive amount of information daily, coupled with the relentless noise on social media. This constant influx can significantly damage the authenticity of the creative process. The NFT space, with its loud and demanding environment, often creates a sense of pressure. Over time, I’ve embraced a more deliberate approach, allowing myself the space to craft meaningful projects thoughtfully and work quietly behind the scenes. I choose to surface only when I feel the time is right.
We would really like to know, where do you see the digital Art scene in the future?
Andrea Bonaceto: I envision NFTs being widely embraced as a tool to legitimise scarce digital assets across various domains. In particular, digital art is poised to gain full recognition and acceptance within the traditional art world, coexisting seamlessly with physical art. Moreover, NFTs hold potential applications for traditional art as well, marking a significant evolution in the intersection of the digital and traditional art realms.
Which tools do you use to create your art?
Andrea Bonaceto: I employ both physical and digital mediums in my art. For physical works, I predominantly use acrylic colours with brushes and flat pens on paper or canvas. In the digital realm, I typically start on my iPad and then refine my work on a computer.
What does a typical day for you look like, and what do you like to do when you’re not busy with digital Art?
Andrea Bonaceto: My typical day involves striking a balance among three activities. I start with physical exercise in the morning to stay in shape and maintain a fresh mind. Throughout the day, I engage in answering emails, participating in calls related to my art initiatives, and, of course, creating art, which is what I enjoy the most. This takes most of my time. Outside of this routine, I value spending quality time with friends and family.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Andrea Bonaceto: The best piece of advice I’ve received is to focus solely on one thing and strive to excel in it. Juggling between various tasks may seem appealing, but I’ve come to realise that true excellence comes from full dedication to a singular pursuit.
Is there something aside from art or NFTs you collect?
Andrea Bonaceto: Aside from art and NFTs, I used to collect card games like Pokémon and Magic The Gathering during my childhood, alongside rare old coins. While I also have an appreciation for items like rare stones or guitars, I don’t actively engage in meticulous collecting any of these items.
Where do you like to travel?
Andrea Bonaceto: While I travel frequently, it’s not so much a passion for travel as it is a purpose-driven activity. My journeys often revolve around art fairs or specific meetings, each trip having a distinct purpose. Exploring the destination becomes a byproduct rather than the primary focus.
I hold the view that the value of travel can be overrated; while it may broaden one’s mind, a narrow perspective can persist even with extensive travel. Much like NFTs, I regard travel as a tool rather than the ultimate goal.
I believe that the essence of everything is accessible, whether one has lived in the same place all life or traversed extensively. Artists like Fernando Pessoa illustrate how imagination and creativity can unlock the essence of life, transcending physical locations.
- Full Name: Andrea Bonaceto
Date of Birth: 13th May 1989
Education: MSc Finance at Imperial College London
