Specials

Born in Rome 32 years ago, Ra first came to New York City in 2004 as a winner of the Italian Academy residence for Young Artists at Columbia University.

She fell in love with the City and decided to become a newyork- based artist.

She now divides her time between London, where her boyfriend lives and where she received her formal artistic training, and travelling throughout Europe and the US showing  her work and projects as weel preparing  her shows.
With her touching video la ‘Camera’, Ra di Martino is the youngest videoartist featured  in ‘Senso Unico’ a group show –co-sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute- showing in New York City at P.S.1 MOMA dedicated to 8 emerging Italian artists.

Behind a disarming smile, apparently shy, she hides the determination of a resolute woman on the right path to a successful carrier as an artist.

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I always thought I would end up working in a creative job, but at beginning I was more oriented towards acting…I always dreamt of being a stage actress or a movie star, especially given that back then the Art Academy in Rome was not very open to videos.
When I was 22 years old, I decided to move to London and I realized that I was more drawn into the new media department than a film school and …my career as an artist started from there…kind of naturally.

Tell me what is a typical day in the life of Ra di Martino?

Usually I wake up early and …first thing in the morning: a strong coffee at a very nice place close to my appartament …still in my pyjamas. Then I go straight to my computer and check my emails and the weather forecast of different cities around the word. Then usually depending on the project I’m working on, I concentrate on writing or editing or organizing a future video.
Then I always try to take a walk outside or to go to some openings just to have a break during my working day. At night…lots of  movies and lots of wine!

To what extent do your Italian roots affect your art?

Well, when I moved from Italy I was not yet an artist. My  studies and my profession as an artist started in London...that's the reason why somehow I think of my work in 'english' terms. Maybe what is Italian in my work is the idea of the City...or even better I would say a sort of nostalgia for an empty City, without people.
That's why most of my videos take place in roman landscapes...

Did your family support you in your choice of becoming an artist?

Oh yes. They are very proud of me...they have always wished that I would end up in a creative job....so they always have supported me.

What are your plans for the future?
 I'm working on a new video...but in general I'd like to work on bigger projects. The    financials are always the biggest problem but I'm very very determined.