Carlotta Schiavio, also known as YaTii Talisman, is a unique artist whose multicultural background significantly influences her work. Born in Italy and raised in Ethiopia, Carlotta’s diverse heritage blends Italian, Russian, Syrian, Austrian, and Ethiopian cultures. This rich tapestry of influences is evident in her art, which has evolved over the years through a journey of self-discovery and experimentation.
Initially, Carlotta ventured into jewelry design, a path that allowed her to explore her creative instincts. However, around 1998, she made a seamless transition to painting, embarking on an artistic journey that took her around the globe. Her work culminated in a permanent exhibition at the National Library “Abrehot” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, unveiled in January 2022.
As a full-time artist, Carlotta’s latest creation, “The Bugibatuki,” originates from her celestial haven, YaTii Talisman. This imaginative realm, created in the year 2000 and later developed into YaTii Talisman, is a place where harmony reigns supreme. The Bugibatuki are extraordinary beings capable of resolving any challenge with positivity, embodying Carlotta’s vision of a harmonious existence.
Carlotta’s artistic career has been guided by intuition and experimentation with various techniques and mediums. In the early 2000s, she birthed the imaginative realm of YaTii, which later blossomed into YaTii Talisman. One of her series, “Stars up close,” captures the vibrant skies of YaTii Talisman, while “Apotropaic Magic” features shields designed to repel negative energies.
In 2011, Carlotta introduced the concept of portable paintings through YaTii Talisman, aiming to infuse their possessors with boundless positivity. These pieces are crafted on handmade cotton paper, sun-dried in Sicily, Italy. Initially, her technique involved sewing disparate sections together, symbolizing equilibrium. However, in 2018, she began painting on whole surfaces, discarding the stitching as a metaphor for shedding ill-fitting attire.
During her residency in Ethiopia in 2019 for the Abrehot Library initiative, Carlotta adorned discs of eucalyptus wood with symbolic eyes, representing protection and vigilance. This period marked a significant transformation in her work, as she began to focus on propagating peace and well-being globally.
In 2020, Carlotta introduced the Bugibatuki, enigmatic beings from YaTii Talisman endowed with the gift of harmonious conflict resolution. These celestial denizens, landing in water basins across Earth, are adorned with sea creatures atop their heads and have computerized mouths for interstellar communication. Their intricate names are simplified by humans into earthly monikers, fostering harmony in their wake.
Carlotta’s creative journey took a new turn in 2023 when she ventured into literature. Collaborating with fellow creatives, she began crafting educational and fantastical children’s tales featuring the beloved Bugibatuki. The first book in this series is slated for publication in 2024, accompanied by a delightful range of greeting cards featuring the whimsical visages of these celestial beings. These cards are already available at 1600 Spruce in Philadelphia and will soon be found in many more places.
Carlotta Schiavio’s work reflects a deep connection to her multicultural heritage and a commitment to spreading positivity and harmony through her art. Her journey from jewelry design to painting and now literature showcases her versatility and dedication to creative expression. Her imaginative realm, YaTii Talisman, and its inhabitants, the Bugibatuki, embody her vision of a harmonious world, offering a glimpse into a universe where challenges are met with positivity and creativity knows no bounds.
For more information and to explore Carlotta’s artistic universe, visit www.yatii.com and www.bugibatuki.com.
