Interview Directory 

ART

Name: Allegra Hicks

Occupation: Artist, interior designer

Residence: London, Italy

"The crypt’s unique atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for this expression, enhancing the spiritual and contemplative dimensions of the installation."

How did you personally experience the opening of “Upon my blood I then will carry you“ in the Church of S. Euno e Giuliano?

The opening of “Upon my blood I then will carry you” at the Church of S. Euno e Giuliano was a fascinating experience. Bringing the work I developed in Naples to the church’s ground floor, and witnessing the sculptures and installations take on new life in this space, was truly an inspiring process.

Working in the crypt was particularly interesting to me. It is always a challenge to create site-specific work, and when I first visited the crypt, I was deeply moved by the church’s niches. This led me to create prayers and ex-voto offerings that felt perfectly suited to the space. The crypt’s unique atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for this expression, enhancing the spiritual and contemplative dimensions of the installation.

What deeper meaning does your artwork have for the church and also for Palermo?

Although I have lived in London for all my adult life , I am Italian by birth. I started returning to Italy a few years ago, and each opportunity to exhibit my work here fills me with immense gratitude. I first visited Palermo when I was 23, and I was struck by its continuous sense of history from ancient times. Palermo possesses an extraordinary grace and a profound depth that make it a very special city. It was an absolute honor for me to showcase my work there, in a city where beauty and grace are so intertwined.

I want to express my gratitude to Mario Codognato, who curated the project, and to Bernardo Tortorici di Raffadali, President of the Association Amici dei Musei Siciliani, for their support and vision. This project was also made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Palermo.

"Rilke’s poem is a love poem, but it can also be interpreted as a poem about someone who is no longer here, touching on the theme of absence and death, the fluidity and continuous transformation of things and existence, the fragility of human relationships."

What was your inspiration for “Upon my blood I then will carry you“?

The inspiration for “Upon my blood I then will carry you” lies in exploring the relationship between life and death. The title of the exhibition is inspired by a beautiful poem by Rilke. With the curator, we felt that this poem aptly conveyed the thought process behind the installation. Rilke’s poem is a love poem, but it can also be interpreted as a poem about someone who is no longer here, touching on the theme of absence and death, the fluidity and continuous transformation of things and existence, the fragility of human relationships.

"Art pit’s almost a necessity for my well-being. Design, though enjoyable, offers a different kind of satisfaction."

When did you first realise that you could express yourself through art? Do you enjoy expressing yourself more through art or design?

I realized very early on that I could express myself through art. Although I didn’t fully grasp its deeper meaning at the time, I felt a compelling urge to draw and paint. My happiest moments were when as a child I could sit down with my materials. I vividly recall feeling extremely fortunate during a holiday in Cap d’Antibes when we visited Nice. The highlight for me was getting a new set of Caran d’Ache pencils—I still remember the boxes, the metal, and their smell. While the sea was beautiful, the best part of the holiday was being able to draw with those new pencils.

At that time, I didn’t think of it as "art," but I knew I wanted to express myself through this medium. I began with art and eventually ventured into design. There is a very thin bridge between art and design, and it all comes down to intention. Art is transformative and has the power to evoke change. Design, on the other hand, serves a different purpose—it needs to be comfortable, usable, beautiful, and functional.

Art pit’s almost a necessity for my well-being. Design, though enjoyable, offers a different kind of satisfaction. It’s fun to create and brings joy to those who use it. While design gives me pleasure through the appreciation of others, art fulfills a deeper, more personal need for expression and transformation.

Your designs are world-renowned in the interior design world. How do you feel when you look back on your long career?

I am very grateful for the opportunity to express myself doing what I love, but I rarely look back; I always look forward. I am more interested in what I haven’t done yet and the ideas I still want to express. For example, I am currently focusing on my upcoming exhibition in New York at the Italian Institute of Culture, which will open in October 2024. This exhibition is inspired by Leopardi's "La Ginestra," a resilient flower that grows on Mount Vesuvius, symbolizing resilience and beauty in the face of adversity.

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‘Upon my blood I then will carry you’ Courtesy of the artist

‘Upon my blood I then will carry you’ Courtesy of the artist

‘Upon my blood I then will carry you’ Courtesy of the artist

‘Upon my blood I then will carry you’ Courtesy of the artist