Jokes about love and eroticism Alessandra Bruni and frivolous (at first glance) illustrations that speak of serious problems in society
© Alessandra Bruni
— From your interview on Picame, we found out that you were born in Tuscany and spent your whole life in a small village in Emilia-Romagna. Tell us about your childhood and the place where it passed.
— I moved to Emilia-Romagna when I was 6 years old. We lived there in the commune of Meldola. Like any small settlement, Meldola has its pros and cons: it gives you a quiet life, but you cannot develop out-of-the-box thinking there. I was a very reserved child and often felt out of place. The people around me didn't try too hard to change that in me. Once someone even told me that I was strange because I like to spend time alone drawing. So, drawing became my “safe place”.
© Alessandra Bruni
— The tattoos you create are quite classic. But in the illustrations, from the very beginning, you began to touch upon serious and global topics: ecology, racism, censorship, the objectification of women. Why did you make this choice and what influenced this decision?
— A tattoo is only between me and the client. And the illustrations allow me to speak out to the wider audience. Moreover, I have always had strong ideals and now have a tool to express them. It would be foolish not to use it.
— Have you personally encountered any of these problems in your life?
— Unfortunately, I think that every second person encounters them. If someone does not see them, it is possible that they simply do not have a mirror. Many people face discrimination or, for example, become victims of censorship. These problems affect our world, and they are literally everywhere.
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
— Which of these problems is the most painful in your country?
— As I said, these problems surround us and Italy is no exception. But it doesn’t seem that we aren't aware of or don't notice them. Racism, censorship and especially the objectification of women are hidden in the general social dynamics. We are used to it and tend to think that this is normal, and sometimes we also joke about it. We do not realize that we are guilty of keeping the status quo.
— Where would you like to live and why?
— I often ask myself the same question. I hope I will travel. It's too early to put down roots.
— You spoke about the Polish government's bill to prohibit women from having an abortion. How did this illustration come about?
— Poland is not the only country with conflicting abortion laws. I have decided to illustrate this, because many people simply do not know about such prohibitions. I strongly believe that this is a serious violation of women's rights and it is not acceptable.
© Alessandra Bruni
— Many of your works are devoted to the objectification of women in relationships. Tell us about your attitude to this topic.
— It's not just about the objectification. I understand that it may seem like this, because I am quite polemical. But I like doing light plot illustrations, so sometimes I just joke about the theme of love and eroticism.
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
— Why should art raise these topics?
— Art should raise any topic.
— “Which mask should we use against racism virus?” Have you found the answer to this question?
— We need to get to know each other more.
© Alessandra Bruni
— Virus of racism” or COVID-19 — which is worse?
— I can't choose. The first is more entrenched. Hope, we will get rid of both soon. The choice is ours.
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
© Alessandra Bruni
— What topic was the most difficult for you to work with in terms of visually expressing your attitude towards it?
— I'm in love with the synthesis and the powerful images of Noma Bar.
— What would you like to illustrate but haven't done yet?
— About many things. You will see some of them soon.