Volume 5, Issue 3

Visual Art

including work by Amalia Castoldi, Philippe Halaburda, and more


5

Derek Hayes (b. 1977) is a photographer originally from Ontario, Canada, now residing in Maine. Derek's work focuses on themes of isolation, connection, and the passage of time. He uses photography to find the unusual in everyday scenes, creating images that mix real life with a touch of imagination. This image is part of his series, "To Be Honest and Dreaming," which explores the mysteries of the everyday, offering the viewer an invitation to peer deeper and look beyond the facade of reality as presented. Find him on Instagram: @derekhayesphotos


Op. 5

Amalia Castoldi is an Italian painter specialized in oil on canvas, with a distinct focus on surrealistic horror themes. As both a pianist and painter, she doesn’t assign titles to her artworks, preferring to classify them with opus numbers like music pieces. This choice comes from her belief that while her paintings may depict figurative subjects, they transcend mere representation, serving instead as expressions of specific emotions conveyed through shapes and colors. Her secondary production, combined in Opus 6, combines painting with music, where the painting is an exact visual representation of a specific piano piece. Born in Milan (Italy) in 1997, Amalia Castoldi resides and works in her birth city. She has participated in national and international exhibitions, showcasing her distinctive style and thematic approach. With a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from Civica Scuola Claudio Abbado (2023; Milan, Italy) Amalia is currently completing a Master's degree at the Conservatory Giuseppe Verdi of Como while pursuing further studies in contemporary music at the Academy of Pinerolo under the guidance of the pianist Emanuele Arciuli. She regularly attends masterclasses with esteemed international pianists like Dorian Britton, Roberto Prosseda and Roberto Plano. Her talents have been recognized with prizes in various competitions, and she has been playing as soloist in classical music festivals across Italy including Piano City Milano, Piano City Trieste, “Flying notes” organized by Fazioli, “Young Talents” in Imperia, “Summer music festival” by Suoni D’Autore. In 2022 Amalia recorded a commercial for DHL and FIAT.


Dahmenn Suenno

Born in 1972 in France, Philippe Halaburda is a self-taught abstract painter based in Newburgh, NY, USA. While he holds a degree in Graphic Design from the Academy of Graphic Design and Visual Arts, EDTA SORNAS in Paris, France, his artistic journey transcends traditional education. Inspired by the Bauhaus teaching and elements of the Constructivist technique, Philippe explores the interplay between urban and natural landscapes, delving into their profound impact on human emotions through vibrant and geometric map compositions. ​ Since 2010, Philippe's artwork has adorned numerous European exhibitions, gaining recognition and finding a place in private and public collections. His pivotal solo representation by the Peyton Wright Gallery in 2013 marked his entry into the American art scene, showcasing his readiness to expand his creative footprint. During a four-year stint in New York starting in 2015, Philippe's artistic vision flourished, mainly influenced by the intricate grid of Manhattan. The LionHeart Gallery and Artmora Gallery hosted solo exhibitions in 2016, solidifying his presence in the contemporary art scene. Since 2018, Philippe has collaborated with various European and American galleries and curators, participating in collective exhibitions that have enriched the discourse around his art. In 2021, he ventured into colorful art installations, exploring a new dimension of his work that delves into human psychology. These installations have graced prominent art spaces such as the Hudson Valley MOCA in NY, the Garner Art Center in NY, and Terrain Biennial Newburgh, offering viewers an immersive experience of his evolving artistic exploration.


Gossip

Sophia Park is a high school student at Yongsan International School. Deep down she is a lover of the silent; even in that space, the hums provide inspirations for her 3D artwork. Even if the exterior forces might seem mundane, the depths of our minds never fall short of adventure. For the artist, this is the safe space to reach the cosmos if she needs to. She cherishes the inner layer of her imagination: transcending spacetime and heading towards that flow state. Certified in art therapy, she believes in the transformative power of her art to break all discrimination, and see the complex beauty we see in others.


Sopravvissuta

Giorgio Rizzo, born in Catania, Sicily, has emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary art, driven by his early exposure to painting through his mother. His artistic journey began at the Art Institute, leading to his remarkable achievement as Italy's youngest Art Director at Publimedia. Blending elements of fashion and fine art, Rizzo's work is characterized by a seamless portrayal of the human form, reflecting his fascination with anatomy. Drawing inspiration from percussion and his extensive travels, Rizzo's art transcends geographical boundaries, captivating audiences globally. Amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, he explores new artistic avenues, incorporating writing and directing into his repertoire. Rizzo's creativity extends to unconventional mediums such as coffee and wine, imbuing his creations with layers of philosophical depth and subtle irony. His art serves as a catalyst for introspection, inviting viewers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, while addressing timeless themes of humanity.


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