Gigi Mariani is an Italian artist known for his unique and emotive jewelry creations. His work is a fusion of traditional goldsmith techniques and artistic expression, reflecting his deep connection with emotions, life, love, suffering, identity, and exploration of the human condition.

Born in Modena in 1957, Mariani’s artistic journey began with a search for a medium to express his intense emotions. Initially drawn to informal painting, he used this form to convey the powerful emotions and reflections he had about the world. While painting provided an outlet for his feelings, it was not enough to satisfy his precise, methodical, and curious personality.

Mariani’s exploration took a new turn when he started studying the meticulous techniques of a master goldsmith during his adolescence. For many years, his painting and goldsmithing endeavors ran in parallel, without intersecting.

However, in 2008, Gigi Mariani discovered the ancient technique of niello under the guidance of masters Graziano Visintin and Maria Rosa Franzin. This marked a significant turning point in his artistic journey. Niello, a black metallic alloy, became the pictorial material on silver and gold canvases for his jewelry creations. It allowed him to merge his traditional goldsmithing skills with sculptural and primitive forms, adding a new dimension to his work.

Mariani’s approach to his art is deeply rooted in spontaneity and instinct. He endeavors to translate everyday emotions into impulsive and unique jewelry pieces. His pieces often resemble sculptures, and he treats the surface of metal as if it were a canvas. This artistic approach is juxtaposed with the use of precise geometric forms, creating a fascinating interplay between instinct and structure in his creations.

Gigi Mariani’s work is a testament to the infinite possibilities of working with metals and traditional goldsmith techniques. He not only uses these techniques but also personalizes them to give his jewelry a distinct and characteristic quality. His art is a fusion of emotion and craftsmanship, and it speaks to the depth of human experience, encapsulating both the individual artist’s feelings and the broader human condition.