Leonardo Fiori
Illustrator
Rome, Italy
Introspection on paper
- Leonardo's illustrations push the boundaries of ancient techniques
- His practice is deeply shaped by the mastery of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio
- Working with chiaroscuro, he moves between oil, watercolour, ink and pastel
Working with precise tools to capture emotional depth, Leonardo Fiori illustrates human lived experience in expressive realism. Initially self-taught, he graduated from the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato in 2019, developing his skills in ancient techniques. Since his selection as a Young Ambassador for Homo Faber 2018, Leonardo has built an ongoing collaboration with Montblanc. “My artistic research has led me to the language of my current aesthetic, so far. I work with tangible beauty to draw people in, so they can experience something much deeper than a simple feeling,” he says. “I have always been fascinated by the sketches of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio,” explains Leonardo. “Choosing whom to study helps me step into tradition, shape my own style and push existing boundaries."
INTERVIEW
Rather than illustrating abstract ideas, I shape my work by combining organic forms with emotion. True originality does not come from fighting history. It comes from joining a tradition and using a powerful, personal voice to push it further.
Technique is a means that takes you where emotivity wants to arrive. I use oil painting, watercolor, inks, pastels and a lot of scribbling in black and white, working intensely on chiaroscuro. It is essential to find the right technique to express oneself, finding a way towards freedom of expression that allows for the fewest impediments.
When I was 21 years old, I participated in Homo Faber 2018 as a Young Ambassador, which completely changed my career. It led to a lasting collaboration with Montblanc that continues to this day. While making art is a solo path, this opportunity replaced isolation with real visibility and a future.
To me, art is not a profession but a way to survive and face life. While deeply driven by emotion, I remain pragmatic. For example, photography was my livelihood for a time, and expanded my vision into cinema colour grading. Everything connects: deep feeling fuels a disciplined, practical artistic life.
Leonardo Fiori
Illustrator
Rome, Italy
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+39 3776796860
LANGUAGES
Italian, English, Spanish
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