Fina Ferrara
Can you share the evolution of your artistic journey, starting from your beginnings as a classical ballet dancer at the age of 10, and describe the experiences and influences that led you to become a multidisciplinary artist known for performance and video art?
My journey began at the age of 10 as a classical ballet dancer, where I discovered my passion for movement, discipline, body awareness, and technical skill. Ballet taught me that every detail counts, down to the placement of one's eyes. While dancing professionally, I realized I had a natural talent for interpretation, which I sought to develop further—an ambition greater than becoming a principal dancer in a company. This is why I incursion into contemporary dance, since it gave me more room to explore interpretation, and I started acting lessons, as well.
In my early twenties, I would often listen to classical and contemporary music while looking out the car window, imagining everyday movements synchronized with musical rhythms. The desire to share this synchronicity beyond my mind led me into the enchanting world of video production. This newfound medium became a cornerstone of my work, enabling me to craft visually compelling pieces.
My foray into performance art began somewhat serendipitously; I had little knowledge of this form of expression but was exhilarated by the prospect of stepping off the traditional stage to engage intimately with my audience. Having just returned from living in Spain, where I discovered my ability for improvising on stage, I yearned for the freedom to respond spontaneously to the reactions and energy of those present, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
In essence, my artistic journey has been characterized by exploration, experimentation, and continuous growth. Through the amalgamation of diverse artistic forms, I have been able to forge a unique and evolving artistic identity.
What inspired you to transition from traditional stage performances to more intimate and interactive performances in galleries, museums, and art fairs, and how has this shift affected the way you connect with your audience?
Being a classical ballet dancer is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it instills a relentless pursuit of perfection, but on the other, it can feel like a prison where nothing you do is ever enough. Over time, I realized that this pursuit created a distance between me and others. I learned that others perceived me as distant and unapproachable, making me feel isolated.
Through performance art, I found a way to break free from these mental constraints and connect with my audience on a human level. By stepping off the traditional stage and interacting intimately with the audience, I aimed to be more accessible, encouraging people to speak with me, touch, laugh, and interact. Performance art allowed me to free myself from the mental limitations that classical dance had imposed, fostering self-love and acceptance through my own creative expression.
In a way, performance art liberated me from the confines of classical dance and enabled me to find my own artistic voice, creating a profound shared communal experience with my audience.
How has your extensive training in classical ballet and contemporary dance shaped your approach to performance art and video creations, and in what ways do these disciplines influence your artistic expression?
Body movement is integral to my artistic expression; my body language and gestures naturally reflect a theatrical quality that stems from my background. The discipline ingrained in me through classical dance has shaped my rigorous work ethic, ensuring that I am always physically prepared to radiate the right amount of energy during any performance. In a way, dance has helped me to understand and manipulate the energy within a space to my advantage.
Music is another crucial component of my pieces. The presence or absence of music sets the rhythm and timing that guide the flow and evolution of the performance or video piece. Being a perfectionist is another trait that classical dance has instilled in me, driving me to meticulously pay attention to details, allowing me to create immersive and emotionally resonant experiences for my audience.
"NI UNA MENOS" is a powerful and evocative piece that addresses significant social issues. Can you discuss the motivations and experiences that led you to create this work, and what message or impact do you hope to convey to your audience through this performance?
This piece was profoundly challenging for me as it required confronting and publicly sharing my own past experience as a victim of violence. My personal journey was undeniably a significant catalyst in the creation of this work, but it also stems from a broader lack of information and awareness regarding such circumstances. Society often resorts to blaming the woman for placing herself in a vulnerable situation, disregarding the intricate complexities involved. Psychological, patriarchal, and social dynamics underpin family violence, making it far too simplistic to fault a single individual. Such blame serves as a convenient means for society to shrug off its collective responsibility. It is these entrenched social structures and conditioning that perpetuate such situations for women. Raising awareness across society—from women and men to children and elders across generations—is imperative to instigating meaningful change.
"NI UNA MENOS" is one of my art pieces dedicated to the issue of violence. Addressing the root causes of this pervasive problem requires a concerted effort to elevate societal awareness and understanding.
"WE ARE COLORS" explores themes of identity and expression in a unique way. Can you delve into the inspiration behind this performance, explain the conceptual framework you used, and describe the emotional and intellectual response you aim to evoke in your audience?
"WE ARE COLORS" is inspired by the concept of human experiences as a vibrant, ever-changing palette. It reflects on how our life's journey is marked by the accumulation and transformation of our emotional experiences.
The performance features a 32-meter-long white fabric tunnel installation that symbolizes the passage of time. Balloons filled with various colors of paint are popped, splattering the paint onto the fabric, creating a dynamic and evolving artwork. This visual representation of the emotional journey invites viewers to reflect on the accumulation of their own experiences and internal states. The dynamic interaction between the performer and the space symbolizes the continuous interplay between our inner and outer worlds, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own paths.
Through this performance, I aim to provoke reflection on the transient nature of our inner experiences and encourage viewers to embrace the fluidity of their own psychological landscapes. Having personally navigated a spectrum of emotions throughout my life, I recognize the importance of acknowledging and expressing these feelings.
This performance is a testament to the transformative power of art, aiming to foster empathy and introspection among its audience. The integration of live music further deepens the emotional impact, captivating the audience in a holistic and memorable experience.
"In 'A CRIB FOR SARAH,' you use a conceptual object as a central element of the performance. Can you describe the symbolism of the crib within this piece, how it relates to the overall narrative, and what you hope to communicate through its use?"
In "A CRIB FOR SARAH," the conceptual object at the heart of the performance—the crib—serves as a profound symbol within the narrative. This piece addresses the mourning process following an abortion, exploring the resilience required to confront, overcome, and ultimately release this personal suffering.
Unauthorized grief is a term used to describe mourning or emotional pain that society often fails to recognize or validate. This can occur when a loss is not deemed significant by others, leading to feelings of isolation and invalidation for those grieving. The lack of societal acknowledgment can leave individuals without the support or recognition they need, intensifying their burden.
This performance seeks to highlight the critical need for broader acceptance and understanding of abortion-related grief. In many ways, this form of emotional pain remains socially unspoken, unrecognized, and minimized, leaving those affected to carry their grief in silence. By creating a space for this dialogue, "A CRIB FOR SARAH" fosters a necessary encounter with the pain, inviting understanding and empathy.
The crib, as the central element, symbolizes the aborted baby’s coffin, providing a tangible acknowledgment of its existence and a rightful place within the family narrative. Through this powerful symbolism, I emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring the grief associated with abortion. This performance strives to create a space for healing and acceptance, offering a voice to those who have silently borne this emotional burden.
"Your work often integrates multiple art forms such as sculpture, photography, painting, installation, and music. Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new piece, and how you decide which mediums to incorporate to fully express your artistic vision?"
Inspiration for my work often arises from discomfort, which serves as a catalyst for my artistic explorations. Through deep self-inquiry and introspection, I seek to uncover the root of this discomfort and transform it into a performance. By channeling my emotions and experiences, I aim to transcend my limitations and forge a profound connection with the audience.
Rather than letting the medium dictate my creative process, I allow the elements at hand to shape the performance. One idea naturally leads to another until the concept feels coherent and complete. This process involves considering the performing space and collaborating artists. Video, in particular, plays a crucial role in my work, frequently serving as a prologue or introduction to the performance itself.
Ultimately, my goal is to craft a cohesive piece that resonates both emotionally and intellectually with the audience, using the mediums that best support the artistic vision and narrative I wish to convey.
Collaboration plays a significant role in your work. How do you approach working with other artists from different disciplines, and how does this collaborative process influence the development and final outcome of your performances and video art?
Collaboration is a vital component of my work, and it often begins when artists approach me with the desire for joint projects. I deeply value their mastery in their respective disciplines, and I see these collaborations as an opportunity to enrich my performances with their expertise while showcasing their skills through my own performative abilities. This mutually beneficial exchange fosters a win-win situation for all involved.
I prioritize establishing a strong relationship of understanding and open communication with my collaborators. This mutual respect and shared vision help ensure that the creative process is smooth and that the final piece is a cohesive reflection of our combined efforts.
Ultimately, these collaborations not only enhance the artistic quality of the work but also enrich my own creative practice, allowing me to explore new dimensions and push the boundaries of my artistic expression.
"You have received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Power of Creativity Art Prize and the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci. How have these accolades impacted your career, and in what ways have they influenced your artistic direction and expression?"
Receiving these prestigious awards and other recognitions has profoundly transformed my career. These accolades have significantly increased my visibility, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations that allow me to connect with a broader audience and engage with diverse artistic communities.
The recognition from such esteemed institutions has not only validated my work but has also deepened my commitment to exploring complex and challenging themes. It has inspired me to elevate the precision and rigor of my artistic practice. More importantly, these honors have bolstered my confidence and reinforced my dedication to using art as a catalyst for awareness and change, helping me to reach and impact more people through my work.
"As one of the Top Contemporary Artists to watch in 2024, what upcoming projects or performances are you most excited about? Can you share any details about the themes or ideas you plan to explore in your future work, and how you envision continuing to evolve as an artist?"
I am deeply excited about my upcoming project, which explores the theme of sacrifice with a particular focus on women's experiences. This work examines how the subconscious, shaped by collective societal norms and historical standards, often compels women to sacrifice their own happiness, well-being, and desires.
Historically, from the ritual sacrifices of maidens in Mayan culture to the patriarchal expectations that have silenced women’s voices and ambitions, the concept of sacrifice is deeply entrenched in our collective consciousness. Despite significant progress and the increasing recognition of women’s contributions in contemporary society, these archaic constraints still subtly influence and limit women’s self-expression and fulfillment.
Through this project, I aim to delve into this complex and often unconscious aspect of the female experience, shedding light on how these enduring patterns continue to affect women today. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that I will be showcasing a video art piece and performing at the XV Florence Biennale in October 2025.