Joanathan Bessaci, Lucca Biennale Paper and Cardboard Artist

Today's Artist Spotlight features the cardboard sculpture and paper cuttings of Joanathan Bessaci, a French artist based in Washington, D.C. His work is on display at the revered Lucca Biennale Cartasia, underway in Tuscany, Italy through September 29, 2024. I asked Joanathan to tell us about the remarkable experience of being a chosen participant.

 

"I am honored to have been doubly selected for the Lucca Biennale, where I am exhibiting a series of portraits and have also been awarded a one-month residency. The Lucca Biennale Cartasia, which has existed for 20 years, brings together the greatest artists working with paper and cardboard. I was chosen from over 4,000 participants to exhibit my works and also to participate in the residency.

 

 

At 44, with more than 23 years of experience, Lucca represents a turning point for me: either the end of my career or a renewal. Over 24 days, I created a monumental piece titled "The Leap of Desire: The Quest of the Squirrel," linked to the theme "Here and Now: Tomorrow," which resonates with my constant feeling of a lack of time.

 

 

For this work, I used a hot glue gun, a cutter, and a ruler. The workshop, a former market hall of over a thousand square meters, imposed a sustained rhythm on me, with nine-hour days without breaks, except for 30 minutes reserved for eating and observing my work.

 

 

My sculpting method is very personal and consists of three steps: I create a structure from strips of cardboard without fixed proportions, everything is done by eye. For this piece, I added an internal metal structure for stability, based on the dimensions of my model. Then, I cover the work with cardboard, reinforce the structure, and add colors and messages from colored cardboard. For the first time, I had to waterproof my work so it could stay outside for three months.

 

 

This challenge was significant: creating a sculpture over 5 meters high and more than 6 meters long in less than 210 hours. In the end, I realized that this work represents me. I am like this playful and hyperactive animal. I discovered that I was not alone in suffering from loneliness and that I had found friendship, love, and support. 

 

 

The bonds formed during the Biennale are strong, as we fought our own limits and worked together to achieve this challenge. I found my place and discovered a new world that I intend to explore further. Previously, I worked only with art galleries, but now I want to participate in competitions and residencies, meet other artists and enthusiasts. 

 

 

I want to show who I am, reveal the artist in me, share my talent, and communicate my love for my art, this passion that drives me." 

 

Four of Joanathan's complex, layered Michelin road map papercuttings are also on display. This facet of his art was featured previously on All Things Paper. 

 

 

Joanathan's website is bessaci.com. He is on Instagram, @joanathan.bessaci.