Claudio Parentela, a prolific artist from Catanzaro, Italy, has dedicated his life to exploring the boundaries of creativity since 1995. With a multifaceted approach that encompasses illustration, painting, photography, collage, and mail art, Parentela has made a significant impact on the international underground art scene.
Born in 1962 in Calabria, Parentela describes his artistic journey as an extraordinary cathartic experience that he hopes will never end. His innate curiosity drives him to explore unknown territories of art, leading to a continuous evolution of his creative expression. Parentela’s work reflects a complex relationship with contrasts—balancing black and white, light and shadow, and abstract emotions.
He shares, “I don’t know what art is, I don’t know what my art is,” suggesting that his work transcends traditional definitions. His artistic process involves layering colors, papers, and textiles, creating a rich tapestry of materials that resonate with his inner thoughts and feelings. “Like the butterfly from its chrysalis,” he articulates, “I endlessly accumulate and transform.”
Claudio Parentela is known for his extensive involvement in mail art, participating in various projects worldwide. This form of artistic communication allows Parentela to collaborate with numerous artists across different genres. He has worked with bands in the industrial, noise, experimental, and metal genres, merging the worlds of visual art and music. His collaborations have yielded numerous illustrations for poetry, stories, and music by artists such as Gavin Burrows, Vittorio Baccelli, and Shannon Colebank.
Over the years, Parentela has produced multiple booklets of illustrations and comics, including notable works like “Il Ratto Bavoso” and “L’Incubo Dimezzato.” His diverse portfolio showcases his versatility and continual exploration of different styles and media. He has illustrated a wide array of texts, bridging literature and visual art, contributing to both paper publications and digital platforms.
Claudio Parentela remains an influential figure in the underground art community, participating actively in various artistic endeavors and maintaining a visible online presence. His journey reflects a commitment to artistic exploration where dissatisfaction with results leads to a perpetual cycle of creation and transformation. To see more of Claudio Parentela’s art, visit his Instagram at @parentelac.
Photos credit: The photographs are from the artist’s archive.
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