Cristina La Porta

The Milan-based, multidisciplinary artist and designer works at the intersection of nature, architecture, and surreal imagery. Her guiding design principle is to create spaces that captivate through richness of detail and innovation. At the core of her artistic work lies a focus on aesthetics and imagination, with the aim of crafting dreamlike, nearly utopian environments. These imaginary worlds offer viewers an escape from reality, inviting them to immerse themselves in another realm. Her creations are not only visually stimulating but also serve as places of retreat, infused with a powerful tranquility that softly reflects in pastel tones on their surroundings.
In her series "Metaverse Villas" and "Rosa nel Deserto," La Porta masterfully blends architectural elements with nature. The smooth fusion of reality and fantasy allows the stress and hustle of everyday life to fade away, creating a moment of contemplation. The futuristic buildings seem to integrate seamlessly into their environment – almost like art installations that, despite their impressive presence, become harmonious parts of the landscape. A recurring feature of her work is the undisturbed, humanless silence; her "Metaverse" worlds are enveloped in a pervasive, peaceful calm.
The concept running through her series is based on the artful merging of contrasts, which, through their masterful combination, form a new aesthetic unity. What remains is a subtle moment of visual intrigue, stimulating thought in the viewer. It is an intrigue that creates appeal – through a strange element in the pure landscape, which, like the cultural history of adding a beauty mark, does not overshadow the original beauty but rather crystallizes it.
Clear geometric structures meet flowing organic forms; absorbing stone meets reflective glass; dry desert climates meet mirror-like water surfaces – Cristina La Porta’s compositions are a delicate symphony of contrasts.
Although her series share an interplay of opposites, her work "Concrete & Flowers" is primarily characterized by brutalist architecture, softened by the presence of delicate flowers. Alongside the juxtaposition of untouched nature and cutting-edge architecture, this series is dominated by the contrast between massive concrete and fragile plants. In addition to a play of light and shadow, soft pinks meet lush greens.
The pairing of industrial structures and natural beauty creates a dreamlike, almost ethereal atmosphere, where the boundaries between the artificial and the untouched, between longing and reality, blur. Her minimalist, futuristic designs in pastel tones invite viewers to indulge in daydreams and return to everyday life inspired.

Raised in Sicily and based in Milan, Cristina La Porta’s interdisciplinary work spans interior design, surreal image creation, and the crafting of dreamlike spaces. Since launching her career at a young age, she has participated in numerous exhibitions, talks, interviews, and events. Among her most notable recent accomplishments is the screening of one of her works at "The Now Building" in London, a premier venue for immersive entertainment featuring the world’s largest high-resolution wrap-around screens. Additionally, her NFTs have been showcased at prestigious exhibitions in Paris and Seoul. Most recently, one of her CGI short films was projected on the landmark screen "The Light of Asia" in Chongqing, China, utilizing groundbreaking 3D naked-eye technology.

Picasso once said, “you don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?
Art is everywhere; we only need to look around. Art is the sweet melody that accompanies
our fondest memories, the vibrant flower that blooms in your garden, the colors of nature,
and the visual representation of our dreams. Art surrounds us, and it's up to us to
appreciate its subtle beauty and elegance.

From an idea to its materialization: How do you approach your work?
My creative journey begins with a close observation of the natural world around me, which
sparks my imagination and helps me envision far-off realms. I initiate the process by
sketching interiors, architectures or landscapes: Inspiration comes from diverse sources
such as meaningful quotes, music, films, artworks, or personal experiences. I then choose
a color palette and develop these concepts into three-dimensional, surreal worlds.

What is your favorite book?
Choosing a favorite book is quite challenging, much like picking your favorite song or
movie—how can one possibly decide? However, I do have a strong affinity for books that
delve into introspection and self-discovery. Additionally, I also adore dystopian tales.

Which artist would you like to have coffee with and what would you discuss?
My answer might seem both unusual and predictable: I would choose to meet Salvador
Dali. From such a unique personality and genius, I could gather countless insights or
simply dream alongside his imagination and stories. His extravagant life and chameleon-
like nature allowed him to see beyond the ordinary, offering a perspective that is truly
unparalleled.

How did you get into art?
I believe that art is something intrinsic, a part of you from within. From a young age, I was
a dreamer with a vivid imagination, always eager to create. My hands were my tools for
bringing to life whatever was in my mind—whether it was drawings, sculptures, or tangible
objects. I created with both nothing and everything; imagination and creativity were the
only ingredients I needed. For me, art has always been my life and will forever remain so.

Who are the people in your surroundings that influence you?
I’m influenced by a diverse range of people; anyone can become a source of inspiration
and influence my creative process. Whether it’s a conversation with a stranger, a glimpse
of everyday life, or the actions of someone I admire, every encounter has the potential to
spark new ideas.

Imagine you have a time machine. Where would you go?
If given the chance, I would likely travel back in time to revisit the places that hold my
sweetest memories. These locations, filled with personal significance and nostalgia, would
offer a profound sense of connection and joy, allowing me to relive the emotions and
experiences that have had a lasting impact on me.

Other than art, what are you most passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about cinema, especially independent and auteur films. I also have
a great love for theater and frequently attend operas, ballet performances, and classical
music concerts. Music, in all its forms and styles, holds a special place in my heart, and I
am equally fond of prose and poetry books. Each of these art forms enriches my life and
fuels my creativity.

What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a variety of projects, each distinct from the others—there’s always
something going on! Evolution, especially in one’s own work, is a natural process that can
sometimes be slow. But that’s perfectly fine; the key is to never stop! It’s important to
continually expand your horizons and remain open to new possibilities without limitations.