For five years, my art has been expressed through small ceramic sculptures that explore the complexity of human nature and the multifaceted aspects of sexuality.
My work combines elements of humor, provocation, and an open celebration of queer and gay culture, resulting in pieces that are as liberating as they are bold. My sculptures are anthropomorphic: they feature human bodies with animal heads, such as rabbits, lions, and pigs. This choice is not random but carries a deep significance.
Anthropomorphism— the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities— allows me to explore complex themes in a freer and more creative way.
Using animal heads instead of human ones helps liberate the sculptures from the constraints and prejudices associated with personal and social identity. Animals symbolize primal instincts and natural freedom, elements often repressed in human society. The combination of human bodies with animal heads creates a surreal fusion that challenges conventional perceptions and invites viewers to a deeper reflection on sexuality and identity. The provocative and sexual nature of the sculptures serves to break taboos and stimulate an open conversation about sexuality. The choice of animal heads adds a dimension of playfulness and transgression, making the works both accessible and unsettling. This provocation is not for its own sake but is a means to explore and challenge social norms that restrict sexual and personal expression.
As an openly gay and queer artist, my work celebrates the freedom to be oneself without compromise. Each sculpture is a small manifesto of authenticity and pride, telling stories of resilience, joy, and self-acceptance. Through fluid and often playful forms, I aim to create a dialogue that embraces diversity and challenges social norms. In an era where narcissism and self-love are central themes in popular culture, my sculptures also reflect these dynamics. Exhibitionism and the selfie culture prevalent on social media resonate in my work. In this context, animal heads can be seen as masks we wear to present idealized versions of ourselves. My sculptures play with these ideas, exploring the boundary between genuine self-expression and narcissistic identity construction.
My work extends beyond sculpture. As a content creator on Instagram, I share the creative process, inspirations, and the meaning behind each piece. My presence on social media is a natural extension of my art—a means to connect with a global community, share my vision, and promote a message of inclusivity and love. My creative process is intuitive and experimental. I work with ceramics for its versatility and the ability to manipulate the material into expressive and dynamic forms.
Each piece begins with an idea or emotion, taking shape through the play of lines, volumes, and colors. Ceramics allow me to explore the tensions between strength and fragility, stability and movement. My mission is to create art that not only beautifies but also stimulates, challenges, and inspires. I want my sculptures to be visual conversations that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and confront their own perceptions of identity and desire.
My art is an invitation to celebrate diversity, find beauty in difference, and recognize the power of personal freedom.
Pietro Spirito Manduria (TA), Italy.
Accademia Belle Arti di Brera (Pittura), Milan, Italy.
Lives and works between Berlin and Paris.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2022 “Selfies” by Greg Salvatori, Greg Salvatori Gallery, Provincetown
2017 "Arcade Paintings", by Stefano Castelli, Theca Gallery, Milan
2016 "Too Late too Soon", Galerie Hugo Cassel, Berlin
2010 "It's About Time", by Travis Jeppesen, Galerie Nathan Koestlin, Berlin
2005 "CENTOperCENTO", Studio Galleria Sottocornonove, Milan
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2019 “ArtCharity”, Schwules Museum, Berlin
“Pop-Up Show”, The Ballery Gallery, Berlin
2016 "18 Ateliers / Open Studio", Dessauer Strasse 24, Berlin
2015 "When I Die ..." by Quang Bao, 68Projects Galerie, Berlin
2012 "Igneo - Character and Call of the Dáimon", by Alessandro Di Gregorio, Basement Project, room, Fondi, Italy.
"Transient Museum Of Art", curated by Aga Szwengier, Freies Museum, Berlin
2011 "Storyboard -Trent authors for a diary and some foreign bodies", BonelliLAB, Italy
2010 "Art Charity", Galerie Nathan Koestlin, Berlin
2008 “In Movi Men To”, Galleria Piziarte, Teramo, Italy.
"Anima&Corpo" Officina Della Bellezza e Galleria Piziarte, Alba Adriatica, Italy.
2007 "Piccoi Formati della Realtà'' Galleria Antonio Battaglia, Milan,
AWARDS
Premio Cairo (finalist), Palazzo Reale, Milano (2017)
Premio Celeste (finalist), Museo Civico Archeologico, curated by G.Scardi, Bologna (2011)