Natalia Giacomino on Art, Architecture and the Emotional Rhythm of Abstraction

For Natalia Giacomino, art has always been a language. Raised in Italy and exposed to exhibitions from a young age through her parents’ restaurant, she began drawing at six and later developed a practice that moved from portraiture into abstraction.

Her work carries the influence of architecture, biography and emotion. Vortex-like forms, rhythm, repetition and layered compositions recur across her paintings, creating a visual language that feels both structured and instinctive.

In this interview, Natalia reflects on her early relationship with art, the role of architecture in her practice, and her latest body of work exploring duality, contradiction and balance.

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

I have been involved with art from a very young age. My parents owned a restaurant where they hosted monthly exhibitions, so I was constantly exposed to different artists, mediums and artistic styles.

I started drawing when I was six years old and became completely absorbed by it. During my teenage years, I began painting portraits of classmates and teachers, and over time my practice evolved into more abstract work.

For me, art has always been a form of communication. Drawing and painting allowed me to express emotions that were often difficult to put into words. My work would change depending on my emotional state: anger, calm, tension or stillness could all appear in the work.

While studying architecture at university, I continued experimenting with materials including wax, charcoal, wood and found objects. I painted on furniture, wooden boxes and almost anything I could find.

I have also always been fascinated by artists’ lives and stories. Reading about Modigliani, Rodin, Brancusi and Camille Claudel had a profound influence on me. Later, while living and working in China, I visited many exhibitions and large-scale solo shows, which further expanded my perspective.

As an Italian, I grew up surrounded by art and culture. I was born in Rome, spent part of my life in Perugia, studied architecture in Florence, and come from a family with roots in Basilicata. Art has always been present throughout my life.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

My work is diverse in terms of materials and techniques. I use different tools and mediums depending on the piece.

There are, however, recurring elements that create a recognisable visual language, inspired by my architectural practice at Natalia Giacomino Architects. Many of my paintings contain vortex-like forms, rhythmic patterns and layered compositions. There is often a sense of movement and repetition that creates a particular energy within the work.

Over time, these recurring patterns have become a signature that people can recognise across different paintings. Although each piece is different, they are connected by visual rhythm and emotional intensity.

Can you tell us about your latest work?

My latest body of work often consists of multiple paintings presented together as diptychs or triptychs.

The central theme is duality. I am interested in exploring how opposing forces coexist within a person, between people and within society. There is always a positive and a negative, strength and vulnerability, order and chaos.

Space also plays an important role within the compositions. I intentionally leave areas of openness because absence can be just as powerful as presence.

I am fascinated by contradiction and the tension between seemingly opposite ideas. We find this everywhere: in human relationships, in nature, in philosophy and in religion. Opposites often appear unresolved, yet somehow they exist in equilibrium.

My work seeks to explore that delicate balance and invite viewers to reflect on the complexity of human experience.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning?

I will be participating in several upcoming exhibitions, including a group exhibition organised by Creations Atelier later this year.

I will also be exhibiting with South Women London Artists, while continuing to apply for exhibitions both in the UK and internationally.

There are several projects currently in development, so I will share more when they are ready to be announced.

What is the best advice you have received as an artist?

The best advice I have received is simple: keep going.

Continue creating, continue studying and continue developing your art. Art is a lifelong journey. Every painting teaches you something new, and every experience becomes part of your artistic language.

Growth comes from consistency, curiosity and the willingness to keep evolving.

Natalia has an upcoming art exhibition at HOUSE OF ESTILA called “Between Opposites”. You can find out more about it here and book your tickets.

For more information please visit nataliartist.com.

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