In the realm of contemporary art, few creators possess the unique ability to weave nature’s subtle beauty into their work as effectively as Daniela Carletti. Born in Ferrara, Italy, Carletti has cultivated her craft through a lifetime of dedication and exploration. Her artistic journey began in earnest in 1980 when she enrolled in the prestigious “Accademia d’Arte San Nicolò.” There, under the tutelage of esteemed artists, she honed her skills in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, graphic art, and watercolor. This foundational experience would serve as the bedrock upon which her distinctive artistic voice would emerge.
Carletti’s early forays into sculpture included creating intricate terracotta pieces and lightweight aerial sculptures. These works, often vaguely anthropomorphic, utilized wire and plaster to evoke a sense of delicacy and movement. However, it was around the 1990s that she discovered her true calling: working with plaster reliefs. This marked a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution, leading her to explore the intricate relationship between nature and art.
From this period onward, nature became the predominant theme in Carletti’s oeuvre. Specifically, she turned her attention to the humble beauty of reeds and wild grasses, often collected from the banks of rivers and other untouched landscapes. These plants, often overlooked in their natural settings, became her muse. Employing a personal technique, Carletti meticulously reproduced these organic forms in plaster on canvas, capturing their essence and textures in a way that is both reverent and innovative. This approach reflects her deep appreciation for nature’s intricacies, inviting viewers to reconsider the beauty found in the mundane.
Carletti’s dedication to her craft did not go unnoticed. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Italy and beyond, establishing her reputation as a significant figure in the art world. Her works were prominently featured at the IV International Painting Symposium in Odessa in 2007, where she showcased her talents at the Museum of Oriental and Western Art. This exposure paved the way for her participation in the prestigious 54th Venice Biennale in 2011, representing the Italian Pavilion—a monumental achievement that solidified her standing in the international art community.
In subsequent years, Carletti continued to expand her reach, holding a solo exhibition at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in 2013 and exhibiting at the Artissima Art Gallery in Dubai in 2014. She also participated in various group exhibitions throughout the United Arab Emirates, including at the Cultural Center of Umm al-Quwain and the University of Sharjah’s College of Fine Art and Design. These experiences not only enriched her artistic journey but also broadened her audience, allowing her work to resonate with diverse cultures.
Since 2015, Carletti has remained active in both solo and group exhibitions, dedicating herself to the dual disciplines of painting and sculpture. Her contributions to the Mondadori Modern Art Catalogue CAM 59-2023 and CAM 60-2024 further highlight her prominence in the contemporary art scene. Today, her works are held in private collections across Turkey, the United States, and England, a testament to the universal appeal of her art.
In addition to her exhibitions, Carletti collaborates with several notable galleries, including Smart Coast Gallery (an online gallery), Galleria del Carbone in Ferrara, and Galleria Wikiarte in Bologna. These partnerships reflect her ongoing commitment to sharing her artistic vision with the world.
Daniela Carletti’s artistic journey is a testament to the profound connection between nature and art. Through her innovative use of materials and her reverence for the natural world, she invites viewers to engage with the beauty that surrounds them. As she continues to evolve and explore new horizons in her work, Carletti remains a vital force in the contemporary art landscape, inspiring others to recognize and celebrate the artistic potential inherent in the everyday.
