Fabrizio Sclocco
Fabrizio Sclocco, an Italian contemporary figurative artist born in Pescara, Italy, delves into the fluid landscapes of identity, movement, and transformation, exploring the spaces within us that remain unseen yet deeply felt. His work embraces genderless forms, capturing the subtleties of vulnerability and strength that reside in each of us. Inspired by his heritage and the dynamics of social interaction, he blends figurative painting with his background in architecture and set design to craft compositions that transcend labels and reflect an honest self. Through each piece, he invites viewers to confront societal constructs and uncover their own narratives, finding empowerment in authenticity and the courage to embrace a more nuanced, inclusive humanity.
1) How did your creative journey begin?
I am a Toronto-based self-taught artist and set designer for American productions, but my creative journey, like anyone else's, began when I was around 3 or 4 years old. For all of us, creativity starts in childhood—when we are just kind and curious, exploring the world with drawings. I would draw people and sections of buildings on the cardstock packaging from stockings while accompanying my mom on errands in my hometown, Pescara, Italy. I think a creative journey is like a storm. It’s truly challenging to understand yourself—it’s not just about earning a degree or following a clear path but about truly discovering who you are. Growing up in a world where art often feels undervalued, it becomes even harder to stay connected to that inner creative voice. Despite these challenges, my journey has been about learning to listen to myself, to process my experiences, and to find meaning through exploration. Art has given me the space to reconnect, to rediscover my identity, and to navigate the complexities of life and creativity. I have always had the urge to feed many artistic factettes of myself. It is vital for me. I’ve started to integrate set design into my art practice and vice versa. My experience as a set designer has inspired me to bring elements of architecture, design, and storytelling into my paintings. Conversely, my artwork has been showcased in TV shows, creating a unique dialogue between my visual art and set design. This blending allows me to explore new perspectives, combining space, emotion, and design to create immersive visual narratives. Each medium feeds into the other, expanding the possibilities of my creative expression. I would have never thought that one day I would work in film, but the first time I was truly amazed by movie sets was when I saw the behind-the-scenes footage of Titanic, 1997 by James Cameron, and the BTS of music videos that used to be played on MTV. Those moments sparked something in me—the way sets are built, designed, and brought to life fascinated me. It’s incredible how those early inspirations came full circle and now intertwine with my art and creative practice. It still feels surreal to me that when I moved to Toronto 12 years ago, I never imagined that in my 30s, I would be featured at the Art Gallery of Ontario with a collection of prints of my artwork, standing alongside other artist who have shaped art history. The journey has been anything but easy—there have been countless challenges, but the path has taught me the importance of dreaming big, keeping the momentum to move forward, and letting go of those who don’t support your growth. Life is about aiming higher, pushing boundaries, and trusting in the process of transformation and evolution.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My two favourite things are history and the beach. Being near the water is grounding, and history fuels my curiosity and imagination. When I return to Italy, I feel inspired yet melancholic. The beauty of my surroundings and connection to my roots help me rediscover confidence—a feeling I lost when I moved to Toronto, struggled with a new language, and felt out of place in a new culture. Traveling through other countries also inspires me. Exploring streets full of history, observing how people interact with their environment, and experiencing different cultures remind me of how interconnected and beautiful the world is. I also find inspiration in quiet moments of self-reflection during my therapy sessions. These moments of introspection allow me to explore my emotional landscapes, process personal experiences, and connect with vulnerability amidst the chaos of life.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
Over the last few years, my work has evolved as I’ve explored themes of vulnerability, empowerment, and the fluidity of self, particularly in relation to genderless forms and the balance between strength and fragility. I’ve spent much of my life facing bullying and love on conditions, which left an impact on me. Through therapy sessions and self-reflection, I began to deconstruct external feedback and reclaim my own narrative—returning those words to their respectful owners and finding power in letting go of their weight. It is a process. This journey has allowed my art to become a process of healing, transformation, and self-discovery. My practice now focuses on creating emotional spaces that explore these themes, offering a way to process pain while embracing strength, identity, and personal growth.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
I’m not the type of artist who spends every day in the studio. Creating is an emotional and intentional process for me, so I take breaks to reflect and recharge. I also work as a set designer for film, which satisfies another creative side while supporting my art financially. Recently, I’ve been learning to leave "Fabrizio" at the door of my studio. My creative space is meant to be free from negativity and judgment, allowing me to connect fully with my art. Music, especially opera, plays a big role in my process. Specific melodies and lyrics spark visual ideas, bringing my paintings to life. I also find inspiration in unexpected places, like high-end fashion commercials, whose visuals and storytelling influence my approach. My art practice has grown through constant evolution. I don’t stick to one style; I believe in change, exploration, and growth. Each piece reflects where I am emotionally and creatively at that moment, allowing me to discover new perspectives without confinement.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Life and loneliness. At 21, there was already lots of tension at home and I wanted to continue my studies abroad, in Holland precisely, after seeing what my other two siblings did, but my mother forced me to move from Italy to Toronto. She is Canadian. She gave me the choice: finish my study of architecture in my hometown, Pescara, or take a sabbatical and work in Toronto. I saw Toronto as my way out, so I left. My mother’s decisions came from her own perspective, but she never truly considered how I felt. Love was always there, but care, understanding, and support were missing or on her own terms. It would have meant so much if she had asked me how I felt and simply listened to my fears. Instead, her expectations felt overwhelming, and I never had the space to express myself. I dropped out of architecture school and I moved across the pond. Adjusting to life in a new country was harder than I thought. I fell into post-landing depression, and for eight years, I buried my creativity and felt like I was living a life that wasn’t truly my own. Toronto became a space where I struggled to find belonging, constantly trying to adapt to a culture that felt foreign. At 28, a toxic relationship with a narcissist left me emotionally shattered, physically unwell, and betrayed. The experience pushed me to a breaking point, but it also became the catalyst for change. I returned to Pescara for seven months, craving healing and clarity. Even though rules from my mother were still waiting for me at home, I ended up renting an apartment and started drawing again after many years. It was a turning point in my life—a time to reconnect with my creativity and rediscover my voice as an artist. That period marked the beginning of reclaiming not only my art but my sense of self and independence. My mother had her own way of showing love, and I respect that she was trying, in her own way, to guide me. But with time, I’ve come to see that I could have appreciated more understanding, more space to feel supported, and simply having someone ask me how I felt. Sometimes, love is about care, patience, and the willingness to listen. There have been plenty of times where I felt misunderstood, lonely.
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media has expanded my ability to network, collaborate, and receive feedback, which has been invaluable in shaping my practice. While it can sometimes create pressure to conform to trends or expectations, I strive to maintain authenticity and use these platforms as a tool to foster connection and self-expression.
Can you share more about the themes you explore in your work?
My work explores movement, transformation, and emotional landscapes, focusing on empowerment, self-care, and living authentically, free from external expectations. I’m inspired by breaking constructs, embracing change, and exploring the fluidity of identity. Genderless forms are central to my practice, emphasizing the unique energy within a person rather than societal labels. My figures explore emotional and psychological expression, allowing viewers to connect with the full spectrum of human experience. Symbols like the three hands and pearl gloves hold deep meaning. The three hands represent an internal emotional dialogue between the adult self, the inner child, and the journey of healing. Pearl gloves symbolize fragility, care, and protection, but also restriction, reflecting the balance between safety, vulnerability, and freedom. Architectural symbols and classical canons also influence my work. Deconstructing these forms reveals emotional undertones, connecting history, power, and identity while exploring the act of breaking norms and rebuilding ourselves on our own terms.
Website: https://www.fabriziosclocco.com/