Matteo Lorusso

This work is based on a true story, drawn from a personal interview conducted by the artist with an immigrant subject. The portrait functions not only as an image but as a site of testimony, where lived experience is partially revealed and partially withheld. Fragments of the subject’s words are layered onto the painted surface, evoking the ways immigrant narratives are often filtered, translated, or interrupted by external systems of language and power. By leaving gaps within the text, the artist resists a complete or fixed narrative, instead inviting viewers to confront what is missing as much as what is shown. The work reflects on immigration as an ongoing process of negotiation between visibility and erasure, voice and silence.

Matteo Lorusso’s artistic journey commenced during his studies at the University of the West of England in Bristol, where he explored the field of Drawing and Print. It was within this academic environment that his passion for art flourished, fueled by a profound admiration for the masterpieces of the old masters.

In Lorusso’s creative practice, light transcends mere utility, assuming a paramount role as a vital element within his paintings and drawings. Employed as a thematic cornerstone, light lends his
works a theatrical quality, inviting viewers into a captivating narrative. The interplay between light and shadow infuses his compositions with depth, drama, and an aura of mystery, captivating audiences and sparking a sense of wonder.

In 2021, Lorusso moved to Berlin, where he began exhibiting in numerous galleries and exhibitions. During this period, his focus increasingly shifted toward immigration and social issues. Notably, his series involving immigrant subjects incorporates a unique interactive element: excerpts from interviews with the individuals are overlaid onto transparent paper positioned alongside their portraits. By intentionally omitting sections of the text, Lorusso invites viewers to engage with the artwork, encouraging them to participate in completing the narrative based on the information provided.