Born in Montreal, Canada, in 1964, Adamo Macri is a multimedia artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries. Graduating from Dawson College with a comprehensive background in commercial art, graphic design, photography, art history, and fine arts, Macri has carved a niche for himself as a sculptor, although his artistic repertoire extends to photography, video, painting, drawing, and more.
At the heart of Macri’s artistic philosophy lies a unique perspective — an observation that every element in his final creations originates as an object. Whether it’s the contours of a sculpture, the strokes of a painting, or the frames of a video, his work is an intricate dance between various mediums, each contributing to the rich tapestry of his artistic expression.
One distinctive aspect of Macri’s artistry is his willingness to use himself as a model. This personal involvement adds a layer of intimacy to his creations, a palpable connection between the artist and the art. It’s a decision that reflects his commitment to authenticity and a deep understanding that art is not just about the external world but also about the internal, the personal, and the subjective.
Central to Macri’s approach is an openness to the wonders of science, grounding many of his creations in the fundamental principles of nature and empirical law. This synthesis of art and science gives his work a unique flavor, an intellectual depth that goes beyond the visual aesthetics and invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of creativity and the natural world.
Macri’s artistic vision is a subversion of conventional ideas of beauty. He transforms deformity into magnificence, challenging preconceived notions and inviting audiences to see beauty in the unconventional. His creations are a testament to the transformative power of art, the ability to redefine and reimagine the boundaries of aesthetics.
One of Macri’s notable works is titled “Atma Osmo,” a photographic work created in 2018. In this piece, Macri steps into the role of both artist and model, exploring the intersection of personal identity and the broader cultural landscape. The dimensions, 69 x 69 cm, provide a focused canvas for the exploration of his conceptual narrative.
“Atma Osmo” is inspired by the surreal experience of walking into the perfume section of a major department store, where impeccably groomed salespeople eagerly offer the latest fragrances. Macri draws parallels between these encounters and scenes from Fellini or Bergman movies, creating a conceptual bridge between the mundane and the extraordinary.
The concept of “Atma Osmo” delves into the deceptive allure of cult leaders, using the metaphor of a charismatic figure diffusing an elixir and contaminating the air. The irony lies in the visual aromatic quality of the final piece, a juxtaposition that adds depth to the narrative. Macri’s creative process, as he describes it, involves gathering caustic ideas in a notepad, allowing them to ferment into a mass of information that must be processed and extrapolated into a tangible form.
Through “Atma Osmo,” Macri not only captures a specific cultural phenomenon but also invites viewers to contemplate the intricacies of the creative process. The artwork becomes a vessel for the artist’s thoughts, a tangible representation of the intangible musings that drive the creative mind.
In Macri’s own words, “By doing this and producing the artwork, it frees the mind to think about something new.” This encapsulates the essence of his artistic journey — a continuous exploration of new ideas, a commitment to pushing boundaries, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of art.
In the spartan yet conversational tone that defines Macri’s art, it’s evident that his work goes beyond the visual. It is a journey into the realms of the mind, an exploration of the intersection between the artist’s vision and the collective imagination.
