Fabio Viale / Between sacred and profane

Italian sculptor Fabio Viale on tattoos, marble and his collaboration with Rocco Siffredi in conversation with Maria Abramenko.

Fabio Viale is an Italian artist well known for his work with precious Carrara marble. Today Fabio is probably one of the most renown contemporary sculpture artist. His work with stone is often involving classical forms and sculpture, being also known for his bodysuits where he recreated different Russian prison tattoos on his sculptures. He has participated in the 59 Venice Biennale Venetian pavilion along to Ferzan Özpetek among others; lives and works between Turin and Carrara.

You have been working for many years now, how did you begin?

I’ve been born in a small-town from an humble family. I attended Arts High School because there weren’t foreign languages to learn: I’m really bad at English.
During the school time, I discovered my inclination since I met the matter. I have never stopped.

Where does the idea of tattooing sculptures comes from? Please tell us the whole story of your research and practice.

Few years ago, I met a tattooist of Russian origins whose hands were full of odd symbols. I felt really curious and I asked him to draw a sculpture.
I like extreme tattoos shape as the criminal ones, because they deal with death and life by using ancient symbology. Although they seem to come from different planets, marble and ink can be melted. Then at the moment, I work with an Ukrainian prostitute who helps me design fists and torsos.

We are all very excited about your upcoming project with Rocco Siffredi, can you give us a little preview?

I carved a copy of Barberini Faun with Rocco Siffredi features. The sculpture was meant to be animated by a sexual act with a woman.
The final goal is pushing the pornography, erotism and artistic boundaries over.

How would Fabio’s ordinary workday would be?

My ordinary workday is like that of a foreman!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a marble tattooed armour, capable to be suited up by people from show-business, our contemporary idols. For many of them, tattoos are like dresses and cuirasses at the same time, fighting the everyday life battle.