About the artist
Arthur Trombetta (aka ATTA) is a visual artist based in Rochester, UK, working in various mediums including photography, painting and digital manipulation.
Originally from France, Arthur has been working from his art studio near Rochester since graduating with a master degree in photography and contemporary philosophies from Central Saint Martins in 2018.
Arthur was drawn to the visual arts from an early age. As soon as he could, he left for Canada to study at a film school. There he began to explore different mediums for making images, including photography.Seeking to broaden his horizons, Arthur later moved to England and completed a BA Hons in Photography and Video Art. He then went on to complete an MA in Photography at Central Saint Martins.
Throughout his academic journey, Arthur has studied the influence and impact that an image in conjunction with a compelling narrative can have on an audience, particularly in an age of mass manipulation facilitated by new technologies.
Inspired by the conceptual work of W. Raad and Joan Fontcurberta, both known for their fictional documentaries, Raad's archival approach and Fontcurberta's anthropological perspective have influenced Arthur's work.
As far as painting is concerned, Arthur has been influenced by the work of Basquiat, through which he has found a way to express himself on a more personal and deeper level. He is also an admirer of Gerhard Richter, whose art has been an inspiration to Arthur in his search for escapism through abstract painting.
Arthur's work has been exhibited in France, Italy and Britain.
Photograph courtesy of Nucleus Arts
Artist Statement
My artistic practice combines photography, painting and digital manipulation to create immersive works that blur the lines between reality and imagination. I begin my process with abstract paintings, capturing details that I then enhance using digital tools, transforming them into works of art in their own right, with the aim of challenging the viewer's perception of what is real and what is fabricated.
Inspired by artists such as W. Raad and Joan Fontcurberta, I create narratives around these details, sometimes presenting them as real places or artefacts. My aim is to encourage viewers to reconsider their understanding of truth and fiction in today's digital age.
My paintings are influenced by Basquiat's expressive style, using bold strokes and vibrant colours to explore personal themes. I am also inspired by the abstract works of Gerhard Richter, which offer an escape through painting and a means of expressing emotions beyond words.
My artistic journey began with an exploration of the power of the image in the digital age, where everything can be manipulated, especially in contexts with far-reaching consequences such as contemporary military conflicts, but it was a rather heavy subject and I was looking for something else.
A pivotal moment came during a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, where a painting by the famous artist was displayed under a transparent table, a magnifying glass was provided and I could see all the details in the painting.
I was struck by the beauty hidden in the brushstrokes that I could now see, and realised that I could observe any work of art at this scale, and this experience led me to explore my artwork in its smallest details, to find the art within the art.
My aim is to inspire people to do the same: to find art and inspiration in the details we tend to overlook or ignore in the world around us, and to tell their story.
Ultimately, I hope to share this vision and foster connections with those whose sensibilities resonate with mine. As I continue to refine my practice, I strive for consistency while remaining open to experimentation. By staying true to my artistic vision and welcoming exploration, I aim to leave a legacy that speaks to the transformative power of art.
CV
Education
2018 MA Contemporary Photography: Practices and Philosophies, University of the Arts
London, Central Saint Martins, London, UK.
2016 BA (Hons), First Class, Photography and Video Art, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK.
2012 Professional Certificate in Directing and Acting, E.C.T.Q, Quebec, Canada.
Solo Exhibitions
2023 Galerie Jaurès, Saint-Etienne, France. 2022 Garnier des Arts, Saint-Etienne, France.
2020 Garnier des Arts, Saint-Etienne, France.
2019 Garnier des Arts, Saint-Etienne, France.
2017 Garnier des Arts, Saint-Etienne, France.
2016 Garnier des Arts, Saint-Etienne, France.
2016 Synthetic, The Artworks’ Gallery, Elephant and Castle, London, UK.
2015 Garnier des Arts, Saint-Etienne, France.
Group Exhibitions
2023 Studio, The Halpern Gallery, Chatham, UK.
2022 Winter Open, The Halpern Gallery, Chatham, UK.
2021 Art Lover, The Halpern Gallery, Chatham, UK.
2021 Summer Show, The Halpern Gallery, Chatha, UK.
2018 Surfaces, Loosenart, Rome, Italy.
2018 Flock 2018, GX Gallery, London, UK.
2018 Beyond the Image, Espacio Gallery, London, UK.
2018 Graduate Show, University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, London, UK.
2017 Somehow You and I Collide, The Laundry building, CSM Interim show, London, UK.
2017 CSM Art Auction, Lethaby Gallery, London, UK.
2016 BIG SPACE VI, Central Saint Martins, London, UK.
2016 Graduated Show, University of Bedfordshire, UK.
2015 Inglorious Artists, The Departure Lounge, Luton, UK.
2015 Video Killed The Roger Scruton, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK.
Awards
2015 Best in show for the work of ‘O’ University of Bedfordshire, UK.
2010 Best script for ‘Carty’ at E.C.T.Q, Quebec city, Canada.