Wertical : with Headful artist Piet Janssen aka Parra, and San Francisco-based Francesco Igory Deiana on GoSee

Whether it is an absurd photo that he comes across on the Internet or a book that he stumbles upon, it is the “everyday and the awkward” that inspires Dutch artist Piet Janssen. Whatever medium he works in, his style remains very much the same: human, yet abstract; plain, yet coloured. And that hallmark is seen on canvas, in a sketch, a shoe, a sculpture, or even a laptop sleeve.

Janssen, who is more commonly known by his alias Parra, didn’t realize how successful he was until his first exhibition at London gallery, Kemistry, where his posters sold out. That was a watershed moment, and one deal soon followed another.

In tune with today’s embrace of all things glamour, pop and commercial, Parra’s signature style delighted the market and increased his exposure. Today, however, he is backing away from commercial jobs to focus on his independent artwork.

Wertical met the 36-year-old illustrator in his studio in Amsterdam as he makes last-minute preparations for his upcoming exhibition at HVW8 Art + Design Gallery in Los Angeles. He gave them a glimpse into the selected works and shows us some of his earliest works, too.

Read the full interview on WERTICAL


And Part 2 : “The only solution would probably be a revolution,” says Francesco Igory Deiana. The Italian artist fled his native country six years ago. He says Italy is “a spot of land without prospects,” a place where dreams have to be kept secret. And so, at the age of 21, Deiana moved to San Francisco – a city that allowed him to embrace boundless possibilities.

Deiana began piecing together his career while assisting other artists. His techniques are unique and form the basis of his signature style. He uses ordinary tools – ballpoint pens, bleach and photo paper – to create extraordinary works.

WERTICAL met Deiana ahead of his first European solo exhibition, 'On Thin Ice', at Ruttkowski;68 gallery in Cologne.

Read the full interview online.