FRANCESCO VULLO: THE ART OF RE-IMAGINING THE ORDINARY

© Casawi | Matteo Vetrano

Objects that surround us in daily life often go unnoticed, yet in the hands of an artist, they can be transformed into powerful symbols. By giving new context to everyday materials, unexpected narratives emerge, inviting us to see the world from a new perspective.

This is the essence of Francesco Vullo’s art. Originally from Sicily and now based in Milan, Vullo explores the paradoxes of modern life through sculptures and installations that blur the lines between the natural and artificial, fragility and strength, past and present. His latest project, 11:42, is a striking outdoor installation reflecting on humanity’s relationship with nature. In the following conversation, we dive into Francesco Vullo's creative process, the inspirations and message behind his meaningful pieces, hearing from his own words and perspective.

Hi Francesco, would you introduce yourself and your art to the Casawi community?

I’m an artist from Sicily, currently living and working in Milan. My practice revolves around sculptures and installations, where I work with a diverse range of materials and everyday objects to craft different narratives. I’m drawn to exploring the paradoxes of modern life, diving into themes like the human condition, collective memory, and the relationship between the natural and artificial worlds.

You recently worked on a new project named "11:42", we'd love to hear more about it —what is it about, and what does it mean to you?

"11:42" is an outdoor sculpture I’ve recently installed near Assisi, Italy. The title marks a specific moment in time: 11:42 a.m. on September 26, 1997, when an earthquake shattered Giotto’s starry frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco.

This work explores the delicate balance between human beings and nature. Its form echoes the Basilica’s ribbed vaults, but instead of a painted sky, it opens to the real one, contrasted by a large rock precariously balanced on the top arch.

It’s a reflection on uncertainty, our relationship with the unpredictable forces of nature and our place within them. The sculpture embodies the tension between fragility and strength, fear and trust, between what we build and what we cannot control. It prompts us to consider how we confront uncertainty and find meaning in both what endures and what is lost.

Your works often combine surrealism with everyday objects like stones, tape, waste materials, giving them a symbolic meaning and creating thought-provoking narratives. How do you choose the themes you explore with these elements?

I like to explore the poetic potential of objects by transforming them into evocative symbols, removing them from their original context. Discarded or industrial elements become catalysts for new meanings, encouraging us to re-imagine the ordinary and reconsider our relationship with them. When stripped of their original function, common objects can evolve into powerful metaphors. Through this transformation, I aim to challenge how we perceive the world around us. The themes and elements I work with often resonate with both personal and collective stories, sparking a dialogue between individual experience and shared history.

© Casawi | Matteo Vetrano

Your art reflects on contemporary issues like mental health, society, and the human condition. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the final artwork?

Before focusing on sculpture, I worked as a conceptual illustrator for many years. As an illustrator, my goal was to distill complex themes into images, creating visuals that conveyed abstract ideas, emotions, and narratives rather than simply depicting literal scenes. I often used digital manipulation, recontextualizing common elements in unexpected ways. This approach later influenced my work in sculpture, shaping how I engage with materials and objects.

Even though my creative process has evolved over the years, it still carries traces of that initial approach. However, working with physical elements allows me to use the material itself as a storytelling tool, adding layers of meaning through texture, weight, and presence in space.

For me, there is no single way to conceive a new work - each piece has its own reason to exist, whether it emerges from personal experience, a conversation, or a walk through a hardware store.

© Casawi | Matteo Vetrano

Do specific environments, experiences, or music influence your creative process? If music plays a role, could you share your current favorite artists?

Inspiration comes in many forms, and sometimes it comes through music as well. Overall, music is a constant in my daily life, especially when I’m in the studio. Lately, Hermanos Gutiérrez has been one of the artists I love listening to while I work.

Are there particular artists—either from the past or the present—who have had a significant impact on your work? How do they inspire your creative vision?

There are many artists I admire for different reasons, but one who has influenced my work from the very beginning is Magritte. He was one of the first artists I discovered as a child. I have always loved his surreal exploration of perception and how he manipulates familiar objects in unexpected ways, using symbolism to challenge the viewer’s understanding of reality.

Over the years, I have expanded my references. In my sculptural approach, influences from movements such as Arte Povera are evident, particularly in the use of natural materials and everyday objects, while Minimalism has inspired me to integrate industrial elements and focus on form and space.

© Casawi | Matteo Vetrano

In a digital world, how do you approach the challenge of standing out as a contemporary artist? What role do online platforms play in amplifying your message?

Online platforms are a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience. Nowadays, I use my social media as a sort of visual documentary of my practice, where I can also share behind-the-scenes insights into my sculpting process. For me, it’s a digital working tool, no different from a drill or a sheet of sandpaper. If used properly, it can be truly interesting. The fact that the work I create in my studio in Milan can be seen by people all over the world is incredibly powerful. While it’s something we often take for granted, I still see it as a valuable privilege. The best part, without a doubt, is the opportunity to discover and connect with other artists and creative people from all over the world. It’s truly inspiring!

© Casawi | Matteo Vetrano