In the vibrant New York City art scene, Marco Gallotta has carved out a distinctive niche—quite literally. For 27 years, this Italian artist from Battipaglia, a small town in the province of Salerno, has transformed the ancient technique of paper cutting into contemporary masterpieces that have garnered the attention of prestigious brands and cultural icons worldwide.
“New York is a city I have dreamed of for years,” Marco reflects, recalling his journey that began unexpectedly with love. While living in Geneva, he met an American student studying in Italy who would later become his wife. Following her back to New York, he discovered a metropolis brimming with creative stimuli that would shape his artistic evolution.
At the heart of Marco’s work is papercutting, a traditional craft he has reimagined through experimentation and innovation. “I didn’t invent papercutting, but I made it my own by adding new elements,” he explains. His signature involves intricately carving paper with a scalpel and applying various paints and colours. He often incorporates recycled papers, vintage books, photographs, and wax while exploring other materials such as metal, glass, and mosaics.
Marco’s expanding portfolio features collaborations with iconic Italian brands such as Ferrari and Campari and a particularly significant project with the legendary composer Ennio Morricone. Marco regards Morricone as a significant influence who “opened doors to a world entirely unknown to me.” The Italian Ministry of Economic Development and Poste Italiane recently acknowledged his talents and commissioned him to design a limited-edition postage stamp.
His current projects reflect both ambition and versatility. “I’m working on a project for the New York subway, where six of my metal installations will occupy an entire station,” he proudly shares. He recently premiered a short film, Waiting for Woody, at the Venice Film Festival. Co-created with Italian actor Yari Gugliucci and directed by David di Donatello award-winner Claudio Napoli, the film pays homage to Woody Allen while reflecting on contemporary life through the lens of New York’s past.
Marco is also embracing the intersection of technology and traditional art. He recently showcased a piece that merges traditional art with technology at Milan’s Salone del Mobile. He has also collaborated with Columbia University on “Art Meets AI,” a project exploring the collaborative potential between artists and artificial intelligence.
Despite his success, Marco acknowledges the challenges of being an artist in New York. “An artist’s life in New York is a rollercoaster of immense satisfaction combined with difficulties,” he admits. “Making a living from art is exceedingly tough, and in a competitive city like New York, carving out even a small niche and making an impact is far more complicated.”
Though deeply immersed in American life, Marco maintains strong professional and personal ties to Italy. He frequently collaborates with Italian brands and exhibits his work in his homeland. When asked what he misses most about Italy, he immediately answers, “Definitely family and friends.” Preparing coffee with a moka pot daily keeps one Italian tradition alive in his New York home.
For young Italians contemplating careers abroad, particularly in the arts, Marco provides practical advice based on experience: “Continue to experiment, seek new ideas, and find what makes you unique in your work, as this can be the key to success.” He emphasises the importance of cultivating a distinctive style—something he achieved by merging traditional papercutting techniques with his own innovations.
“The other piece of advice, of course, is to never give up,” he adds, “because, in this field, one must confront defeats, which ultimately prove advantageous. Despite having an established career, I find myself struggling with individuals who neither accept nor understand. It’s simply the natural course of events.”
As he looks to the future, Marco envisions technology taking on an increasingly significant role in art. Nevertheless, his primary aim remains unchanged: “My foremost objective is to continue my development as an artist and to leave a positive legacy, perhaps inspiring future generations.”
Between his scalpel’s precision and his vision’s boldness, Marco Gallotta continues to bridge worlds—between Italy and America, traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation, and personal expression and public art. His journey from the sun-drenched streets of Battipaglia to the towering skylines of New York stands as a testament to the enduring power of Italian creativity on the global stage.
