Italian Painter Mariapia Saccone Honored with Platinum Prize for Her Work “Pietas”

In an exciting announcement, Mariapia Saccone has been awarded the Platinum Prize in the Autumn season of the Future Art & Design Award 2025 for her remarkable oil painting titled "Pietas." The jury praised her work as "An impressive and haunting work that powerfully merges grief and devotion with lasting emotional impact".

Mariapia is an accomplished Italian painter and illustrator, currently residing and working between Benevento and Venice. Her artistic journey began with her education at the Art School in Benevento, followed by further studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, where she graduated in painting in 2000. Additionally, she completed two two-year specializations in painting and drawing, as well as art history, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. With her works exhibited in numerous galleries and museums both in Italy and abroad, Mariapia also shares her expertise by teaching painting techniques to adults at the Università Popolare di Venezia and figurative arts to high school students.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in creative / art / design?

Mariapia: The need to give visible form to my thoughts and explore the relationship between the visible and spiritual worlds. I consider art as a language through which the invisible can be made visible, translating emotions, thoughts, and intuitions into forms capable of communicating the inner essence of human experience. In this sense, my research stems from curiosity and a need for knowledge: creating is a way to seek a deeper understanding of the "Absolute Spirit" through matter and color.

Q: Can you describe the creative process behind your work and what motivates you to create?

Mariapia: The creative process arises from the intersection of imagination and observation of reality. I often begin with an idea, an emotion, or a detail from everyday life, which then transforms into figures and worlds suspended between dream and reality. I love working with painting as a means of exploring and experimenting with new solutions: every gesture, every color, every shape becomes a tool to give voice to the invisible and make tangible what would otherwise remain hidden. Hegel argued that art can be considered a bridge between the interior and the world, a way to manifest the Spirit in the perceptible; it is in this thought that I have found my motivation. In each canvas, I seek to give form to the complexity of the human experience, transforming the creative act into an ongoing dialogue between my "way of feeling" and the world around me.

Q: What was the most exciting or challenging part of creating the work you submitted to the competition?

Mariapia: Without a doubt, it was the moment when the images and emotions I had in my mind began to take concrete form on the canvas. Seeing the figures emerge was a moment of great emotional intensity. At the same time, the most challenging phase was finding the balance between control and spontaneity. Every gesture, every color, struggles to remain faithful to the initial idea without stifling the creative unexpected, which is sometimes what gives life and depth to the work. For me, "doing research" also means facing doubts, corrections, and second thoughts. There is no canvas that isn't covered in white at least once... It's a challenge, and perhaps it is precisely in this confrontation that the less predictable parts of the painting emerge.

Q: How would you describe your creative style and the key characteristics that define your work?

Mariapia: It could be described as a meeting of dreamlike imagery and introspection. My paintings depict figures suspended between reality and dream, often deformed or hybrid, with large eyes that seem to peer into the viewer's inner being. I love playing with the boundary between reason and instinct, transforming thought and the desire for wonder into visible forms. I pursue the illusion of evoking emotions, seeking a dimension that goes beyond simple representation.

Q: What has been your experience participating in the competition? Were you satisfied with the process and results?

Mariapia: An extremely stimulating and enriching experience. It was interesting to interact with experts using a platform that promotes contemporary art and offers visibility to diverse creative paths. The process itself pushed me to reflect more carefully on my work, the meaning of the works, and how they communicate with the viewer. I'm satisfied with both the process and the results: being selected was a very important recognition, but above all, it was a moment of personal growth and creative exchange.

Q: Where do you see the future of the art and design industry heading in the next 5-10 years?

Mariapia: I see this as a time of great transformation and openness. I believe technology will continue to offer innovative tools, but without replacing human experience: what truly matters will be the ability to convey emotion and inner meaning, making visible what often remains hidden. At the same time, I imagine a return to a more attentive sensitivity towards sustainability and materials: colors, shapes, and materials will be chosen not only for their aesthetics, but also for their impact on the world and our perception. I also believe that creativity will become increasingly personal and narrative: every work, every design project will tell a unique story, reflecting the complexity and emotions of the creator. In essence, I see a future in which art and design will be tools to connect, excite, and inspire reflection, keeping alive the inner quest and the ability to amaze the observer.

Website: www.mariapiasaccone.com

Facebook: Mariapia saccone Art

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariapia_saccone/

The Future Art & Design Award is an esteemed international competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating creativity and innovation in the field of art and design. With a mission to promote artistic excellence and diverse creative expressions, the award serves as a platform for both emerging and established talents to showcase their work on a global stage.