Constanza Piaggio
Visual artist, born in Buenos Aires and based in Paris since 2010, Constanza Piaggio works mainly with photography and film as experimental medias. With a background in photography and cinema in Argentina, she builds her projects from a theoretical research that organically leads to series of works responding to each other by echo and by a subtle system of variation. She combines her technical requirements with a singular and personal approach that mixes her pictorial references and her intimate environment. This point of view, sometimes self-referential, also summons philosophical concepts and literary references that feed her work. In his recent series, the manipulation of images manifests a desire to appropriate the real, the material and the photographic texture. Her work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions around the world and is part of prestigious public and private collections. She has also been the recipient of several awards and residencies.
Constanza Piaggio has also methodically established a collaborative approach with a network of professional artists. Since 2016, she co-directs the space dedicated to contemporary art “Julio Artist-run Space” located in the 20th district of Paris. This space is now a reference. It stands out for its programming that promotes relationships between artists of the French and Latin American scene and inter-generational mixes.
Why did you choose Paris after studying in Buenos Aires?
When I decided to move to Paris, I had already started a good career in Buenos Aires. At that time the country was doing well, it was not in my plans to go anywhere else. In the end it was love that made me decide to move here, otherwise I think I would have stayed there, it was very hard to start from scratch here. But I have to say that I already knew this city and I already had a special affinity with it. Today, I don’t regret my choice at all.
Color holds an important place in Valentine’s work, in yours too, what is your relationship to it? Were you attracted by the color palette used by Valentine?
Color is always an element of inspiration in my approach. I use it in a very organic but conscious way because colors have an important communication power. It’s the same with clothes, it’s our way of presenting ourselves to the world and transmitting our emotions, our energy and I love how Valentine mixes very soft and natural tones with vibrant and singular bursts. They bring an original allure.
There is a great sensuality and femininity in your works, the touch of materials used by Valentine also takes on this sensuality, were you sensitive to this dimension of the Valentine Gauthier wardrobe?
Yes, very much so because they will touch our skin throughout the day and it is very important to feel protected and sensual at the same time. The quality of the materials used is a real pleasure to wear.
Valentine orients her choices of collection according to the ecological impact that it will have. It seems that nature also has an important place in your work, what about it? Do your choices in the purchase of your clothes take into account this impact, is it a value that you hold?
Ecology has always been one of the most important causes for me. I’ve been a Greenpeace activist since I was a teenager and I continue to work on my own in different ways to improve the global situation and have as little impact as possible on our planet. Of course, I can still do a lot more, especially living in the city, that’s why I always try to inform myself and improve my consumption despite my small budget. I remember when I read “No logo” by Noami Klein, it changed my view on the fashion industry. I accepted Valentine’s proposal because not only do I like her designs, but I respect her commitments.
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