Andrea Crespi’s Reflections on Art, Society the Future through Phygital Dimensions

The role of artists in shaping our understanding of reality has never been more important than today. Among those at the forefront of this dialogue is Andrea Crespi, an Italian artist whose multifaceted work spans both physical and digital media. Crespi does not merely create art; he embarks on a continuous exploration of themes such as optical illusion, social transformation, and the overarching impact of the digital revolution in contemporary society.

Crespi’s artistic practice is a reflection of our times—a mirror that captures the complexities of human experience. Through his innovative approach, he uses art as a powerful tool for perceiving and interpreting truth, often manifested in intimate and personal portrayals of beauty. His work challenges viewers to reconsider their perspectives and engage deeply with the nuances of their daily lives. Today, he is recognized as one of the most influential artists in Italy and internationally, commanding respect for his ability to provoke thought and stir emotions within a diverse audience.

Operating from the dynamic cities of Milan and Miami, Crespi’s ongoing research is both expansive and ever-evolving. He delves into vital societal issues that deeply impact communities, exploring questions surrounding identity, technology, and cultural dynamics. His artistic inquiries are not confined to traditional boundaries; rather, he skillfully utilizes a diverse array of mediums—ranging from painting and sculpture to digital installations and augmented reality—to facilitate dialogues and foster connections with viewers. This versatility enables Crespi to reach a broader audience, inviting them into a shared conversation about the pressing challenges of contemporary life. What distinguishes Crespi's work is his remarkable ability to integrate the physical and digital realms into a cohesive artistic statement. His signature style reflects this duality, inviting the audience to navigate between various interpretations and experiences. In doing so, he underscores the idea that the boundaries between our physical environment and the digital world are increasingly porous, urging us to explore how these realms coalesce and interact in our daily lives.

Crespi’s artworks have been exhibited in prestigious venues around the globe, including the renowned Triennale Museum in Milan, the CAFA Art Museum in Beijing, Times Square in New York, and Art Space in Dubai. Each exhibition serves as a testament to his unique vision and undeniable influence as an artist who speaks to the collective consciousness of our time.

In this interview, we will delve deeper into Andrea Crespi's artistic journey, exploring the motivations behind his work, the challenges he encounters in navigating dual mediums, and his reflections on how art can offer insights into the future. We will also discuss the significance of envisioning tomorrow’s realities through a creative lens and how Crespi hopes to inspire others to engage in this critical conversation. As we unlock the layers of his artistic practice, we gain valuable perspectives on the interplay between art, technology, and the urgent issues shaping our world today.

**"HEAD OF APHRODITE"**, Marble of Carrara

Your work navigates both the physical and digital worlds, creating a unique dialogue between the two. What led you to this approach? And how does blending these mediums help you explore contemporary themes?

I’ve always been fascinated by contrasts—black and white, real and fake, past and future. Maybe because nothing in the world is ever truly one thing or the other. It’s all about balance. Working between digital and physical feels natural to me, like extending a thought in two different ways. The digital isn’t separate from reality; it’s just another layer of it.

Your work often plays with optical illusions and themes of social change. With everything evolving so fast—technology, global culture—where do you see your work heading?

Good question. Everything moves so fast that sometimes I feel like we barely have time to process one shift before another one hits. AI is definitely changing the way we experience art—it’s fascinating and terrifying at the same time. I don’t want to use technology just for the sake of it. I want to keep it simple, to make the experience of art direct. The more chaotic the world gets, the more I want to strip things down to their essence.

You’ve described art as a tool to perceive and analyze truth. In a time of misinformation and ‘alternative facts,’ how do you deal with this in your work? Are there specific truths you feel compelled to challenge?

Truth is slippery. What’s considered normal today might be unacceptable tomorrow. What’s shocking now might be mundane in ten years. I don’t think my role as an artist is to give answers—I’m more interested in raising the right questions. How much of what we see is actually real? How much is perception? I want people to walk away from my work feeling slightly unsettled, like they need to look again.

Your art reflects cultural shifts. With so much noise and content overload, how do you decide what themes to explore? And what subjects are you drawn to for the future?

Honestly? We live in a time where the loudest voices get the most attention, not necessarily the most meaningful ones. And that’s interesting to me. I find myself drawn to exploring how technology is shaping identity—how screens mediate our perception of reality. It’s something we don’t fully understand yet, but we’re already completely immersed in it.

**"FUTURE SCULPTURES”**, Digital Art Week, London

You split your time between Milan and Miami, two cities with very different artistic landscapes. How does that influence your work? Do you see new projects coming out of this experience?

Being in different places forces you to see things differently. Milan has a deep history—it’s structured, refined, rooted in tradition. Miami is the opposite: fluid, fast, always changing. It’s a contrast that keeps my curiosity alive. I don’t know exactly how it will influence my next work, but I know it will. It always does.

What’s your creative process like when working between these two worlds? Are there any technologies that are currently exciting you?

It always starts with an idea—usually something visual that sticks in my mind. Then I play with it digitally first because it lets me test things with complete freedom. Only after that do I decide how to bring it into the physical world. Right now, I’m really interested in AI and how it can create interaction with the viewer. Not just passive observation, but a real dialogue between the work and the person experiencing it.

**“PROPAGANDA”**, Times Square, New York

You’ve exhibited in very different places, from the Triennale in Milan to Times Square in New York. How has that shaped your view of art? And how do you want to engage audiences in the future?

It made me realize that art speaks differently depending on where it is. The same work can mean one thing in Milan and something completely different in New York or Dubai. That’s why I want my work to be something you don’t just look at but interact with—something that makes you pause and question what you’re seeing.

In your art, identity, technology, and inequality play a pivotal role. How do you see yourself exploring these issues in the coming years? Are you considering collaborations or community-driven projects to expand these conversations?

Art isn’t separate from society—it reflects it. I want to stay ahead of the changes instead of reacting to them. And I think that involving people directly in the creative process could be an interesting way to make these themes resonate on a deeper level.

Are there any new techniques or influences you’re considering that could shift your artistic language?

For me, it’s always about simplification. I like stripping things down to their most essential form—like a single line. It’s direct but also limitless. My style will evolve, but it will always stay true to that core idea.

**“IL DAVID DE 100”**, Priare di Montecchio, Vicenza

Virtual and augmented reality are transforming the art world. Do you see yourself integrating these technologies into your future works? What do you think their impact will be on the relationship between art and its audience?

I think digital tools can be amazing, but only if they actually add something. Otherwise, they’re just gimmicks. I don’t want the technology to be a barrier between the work and the audience—I want it to enhance the experience, make it more immersive, more engaging.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for this next phase of your career? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that excite you?

I have big plans. Art Dubai 2025 is a major milestone I’m working towards. And I’m developing a solo exhibition that I want to be a defining moment in my career. I’m pushing myself to create something that feels completely new, even to me.

A note to your future self.

Don’t overthink it. Just keep making.

If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not pushing hard enough.

Andrea Crespi and his sculpture “AMORE & PSICHE / ARTIFICIAL & PHYSICAL”

Interview by @mirawanderlust

Image Courtesy @andcrespi

RED•EYE WORLD