Barbara Maresti, an eclectic and multifaceted artist, was born on July 7, 1967, in Milan, but moved to Rome at the age of seven, following her parents’ careers in theatre. From an early age, she was immersed in the vibrant cultural life of the Italian capital, which shaped her artistic sensibilities. She pursued her education at the Liceo Artistico and later at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome, where she graduated as a graphic designer. However, her artistic curiosity soon led her beyond the confines of graphic design, into the realm of visual arts and poetry.
Barbara’s early artistic experiments culminated in a unique style she termed Soqquadri – a fusion of recycled materials, photographic collages, and vibrant acrylic paints. Her creative process involves layering these elements into tactile, textured compositions. Each piece is a visual representation of her philosophy, merging the traditional with the experimental, creating artworks that are both expressive and environmentally conscious.
Alongside her visual art, Barbara’s passion for the written word grew, particularly in the form of poetry. She began participating in various poetry competitions and events focused on visual poetry, where her work gained widespread recognition. In 2018, she published her first collection of poetry titled Le Impronte della Vita (The Footprints of Life), which marked the beginning of a harmonious union between her art and poetry.
In recent years, Barbara has combined her two creative outlets—poetry and painting—into a singular, cohesive form. Her “Quadri Poetici” (Poetic Paintings) reflect this synthesis, where her written word becomes the conceptual core of each artwork, offering the viewer a dual experience of visual and verbal narrative. These poetic paintings explore themes of identity, human emotion, and societal issues, providing a deeper emotional resonance to her visual compositions.
Barbara’s artistic evolution did not stop with painting and poetry. She ventured into fashion, creating “Outfits d’Artista” (Artist’s Outfits) as an extension of her artistic identity. These garments, often vintage pieces such as jackets, vests, and dresses, are reimagined through her painterly touch. Her REDESIGN collection weaves poetry into the fabric of fashion, with each piece becoming a canvas for her words and images. Her collections have been featured at high-profile events, including the “Red Carpet dell’Arte” at the Area Contesa Gallery on Via Margutta in Rome.
Barbara’s work is deeply intertwined with her commitment to social causes. For the victims of the Morandi Bridge disaster, she designed the Phoenix graphic, a symbol of resilience and rebirth, which was printed on clothing sold for charity. She has also supported anti-bullying campaigns through her artworks, such as her involvement in the NO-BULLYING event at the ATAC vintage car depot in Rome, where she showcased clothing inspired by her poetry addressing bullying in schools. Her painting Le Ali di Icaro (The Wings of Icarus), exhibited at this event, echoed the theme of overcoming limitations and breaking free from societal constraints.
Barbara’s artistic journey has taken her to numerous prestigious exhibitions. In early 2019, she reconnected with her Milanese roots, participating in three major exhibitions at the historic Milano Art Gallery. These shows were curated by prominent figures such as Salvo Nugnes, Nicoletta Rossotti, and internationally renowned photographer Roberto Villa. In Rome, she continues to exhibit with the Focus Group Art collective and has become a regular participant in events at prominent galleries such as Neumen at the Colosseum.
Collaborating with emerging fashion designers, Barbara merges her poetry and art into wearable pieces. Together with designer Lucrezia Matola Ruschena, she created the Universo collection, featuring seven unique garments inspired by her poetry. These hand-painted pieces bring her poetic and artistic vision into the realm of couture.
Barbara’s creativity transcends traditional mediums, extending into performance art through body painting. She has participated in several high-profile events, including the presentation of Liliana Manetti’s book La Nuova Favola di Amore e Psiche, where she created the Loto body painting for actress Chiara Pavoni’s performance. Other notable works include body paintings for events such as the Red Carpet dell’Arte in Rome and Profondo Blu, where her piece Dentro l’Onda (Inside the Wave) was displayed.
Her ability to merge art, poetry, and performance continues to captivate audiences, offering a dynamic, immersive experience that reflects her multifaceted creative nature.
In 2020, Barbara expanded her work in fashion through socially conscious art. Her Baba’s Zoo collection features hand-painted garments inspired by animals, divided into thematic lines like Happy Farm (farm animals), Cani e Gatti in Società (pets in society), and The Unloved (insects and beetles as symbols against discrimination). In 2021, her designs were showcased at the Miss Reginetta finals in Rome, worn by the young contestants. Her fashion work continued to gain recognition, with her creations featured during Milan Fashion Week in 2022 and 2023, where her pieces, inspired by themes from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, were met with great acclaim.
Barbara Maresti’s contributions to the Panorama International Arts Festival have been particularly noteworthy. For three consecutive years, she has presented her works at the festival, winning prestigious awards in 2022 and 2023 for her mixed media pieces made from recycled materials. Her socially engaged works were also featured at an exhibition organized by Caritas Roma, where they were later included in the official Caritas calendar.
In 2024, Barbara continues her artistic evolution, showcasing a sculptural piece titled Bruciando al Sole (Burning in the Sun) at the Panorama International Arts Festival. The artwork, dedicated to the theme of fire, captures her ongoing exploration of the emotional and symbolic power of nature’s elements.
Barbara Maresti’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of creativity as a transformative force. Through her mixed media artworks, poetic expressions, and fashion creations, she bridges the gap between visual art and the written word. Her dedication to social causes and her innovative approach to art continue to inspire audiences and shape the world of contemporary mixed media art. With each new project, she reaffirms her place as a visionary artist who brings together form, emotion, and meaning in unprecedented ways.
