Cecilia Bullo is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

Cecilia Bullo works primarily in sculpture and installation, encompassing different mediums and processes. Her practice is research-based and informed by historical, mythological, psychoanalytic and feminist theories, which create a vital conceptual framework for her physical work. Bullo is particularly interested in material cultures relating to rituals of healing and transformation.
Drawing loosely on a theoretical framework, including archeologist Marija Gimbutas and her Kurgan Matrilinear hypothesis, Bullo’s current work investigates the political body of women, the return of the feminine - intended as all modes of being (her/their) - and the personification of the woman as a creatrix, fighter and destroyer. Envisaged as archeological dystopian assemblages and exploring mythological and personal narratives, these works to the artist are apotropaic sculpture-amulets and esoteric spaces, from which one can resist the repressive discriminatory framework of patriarchal culture.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

I was a particularly introvert and taciturn child and since an early age I was contented in spending hours on end drawing or making things. Except for art related subjects, I did not perform well in school, and going to Art College was a true eye-opener where my soul thrived. My inquiry into materials and processes has always been quite voracious and which brought me through various informal and formal learning paths. These include a BA from the Brera Academy in Milan, an Erasmus Mobility Grant Programme at the Fine Art Academy of Athens and an MFA at the National College of Art & Design, Dublin. I don’t believe that in order to be an artist, it is necessary to have any formal training at all, however in my case it was a crucial process, as I craved and needed methodology and structure.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

My approach is quite visceral and intuitive, but once the work is in motion, it becomes methodical and obsessive. My attention span however is very short and I get bored very easily, so I would work on various projects at the same time, changing mediums and processes throughout the day.

And how about what inspires you?

The occult in the broader sense inspires me, together with the visceral and the uncanny. My line of inquiry is centered on topics based on feminist theories, healing practices, rituals, cults and psychoanalysis.
Currently I am researching the theories of archeologist Marija Gimbutas in relation to the material culture of Neolithic Europe. I am particularly interested in her Kurgan Matrilinear hypothesis and her archeo-mythology approach, which is the field of academic inquiry that includes archaeology, comparative mythology and folklore.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Sustaining my practice.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I am currently an artist in residence at the Fire Station Artists' Studios (FSAS), Dublin, where I have been awarded a subsidized living and working space. This opportunity allows me to work very productively with the amazing luxury to be able to get up in the morning and start working straight away. Typically I would get up at around 8am and nothing happens before I put some strong coffee into my bloodstream. After some admin, I would get stuck into working or research. If I am being productive, I would put some strong beat music on and can easily work for long hours. If my attention span is particularly bad, I would go for a quick walk, then stick on some White Noise in the headphones and will try tackle whatever I am trying to sort out.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I would love to explore and include performance in my practice. The process of making to me is a sculptural process in itself, and I would be interested in consciously exploring this narrative using my body as a tool. Working with digital media technologies such as CGI animation also really appeals to me and really look forward to have the opportunity to try it out someday.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

Next month, I will be taking part in an exhibition curated by Helen Carey - 'Material Stories' - at Galerie Michaela Stock in Vienna, Austria. In April my work will also be part of a show curated by Stef Van Bellingen at WARP (Waasland Artistic Projects) in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I feel my work is appreciated and it is very encouraging.

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you for this opportunity and for supporting my work.

See more of Cecilia Bullo’s work

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