Photographer Leonardo Bornati – Talent Ale Chad– Interview by Federica Romano
When and how did you discover your artistic talent? Was it a gradual journey, or was there a specific moment that marked the beginning of your career?
It’s funny looking back because I’ve always been a bit of the ‘black sheep’ in my family—the creative one, full of ideas and a love for art that was different from everyone around me. I remember being a kid in nursery school, painting a version of ‘The Last Supper’ because the nuns wanted us to, and even then unconsciously, I think I knew that creativity would be something central in my life.
The journey has definitely been gradual. I’m a shy person by nature, so my path has been more of a series of steps than a leap. I didn’t have that single ‘aha’ moment that some people talk about. Instead, it’s been a quiet, steady exploration, experimenting with different forms, learning, and growing along the way.
What stands out most in my memory isn’t a specific turning point, but rather the people who believed in me and took a chance on my work. Each opportunity felt like a small push forward, a little affirmation that my art meant something, and I think that’s what really marked the beginning of my career.
Photography is very present in your work. How would you describe its role in your art? What can you express with images that other art forms don’t allow?
For this personal editorial shoot, I decided to integrate a few of my tapestry pieces, because I love the energy they bring to the scene and to the creative process itself. But photography remains at the heart of what I do. Sometimes it’s about documenting my work, other times it complements the piece, or it might even stand alone as pure photography.
Photography is fundamental to me, like a memory card for my life. A single image can instantly capture a unique energy or moment that no other medium can. It’s immediate and unfiltered, connecting directly and powerfully to emotions, memories, and the unspoken elements of my artistic vision.
What type of art do you feel most represented by? Are there specific styles or movements that resonate with you?
I love art in general; there’s no field I’m not drawn to. I’m naturally curious and enjoy exploring, seeing, and experimenting with all forms of expression. I’m especially attracted to provocative art—the kind that feels like a slap on the face when you see it. I believe art should challenge us, push boundaries, and disrupt the ordinary. But I also appreciate the opposite end of the spectrum, that simplistic reaction, ‘I could have done that myself,’ because it means the art has struck a chord, inviting people to see things differently.
How much have social media influenced your artistic path? Do you think they’ve changed your view of art or the way you connect with your audience?
I don’t think social media has influenced me that much, definitely has developed new forms of art and expanded existing ones, providing a platform for creativity to reach a much wider audience, but to me it’s more a source of quick inputs than anything else. On social media, I focus on what I like and what drives me personally, rather than catering to what people expect or what the algorithm favours. My Instagram, for example, feels witty and funny to me, but I realise my sense of humour isn’t always understood by everyone. So, in a way, I play the social media game to my disadvantage sometimes, choosing authenticity over popularity.
Many contemporary artists talk about a love-hate relationship with social media. What’s your personal relationship with these platforms?
I agree, it’s a constant love-hate relationship with social media. First and foremost, you have to be able to separate who you truly are from the persona presented online. I love connecting with people all around
the world in this digital space, but I value in-person meetings even more. You can never really know someone until you meet them because the facade presented on social media doesn’t capture the full depth of a person. That said, social media today is an incredible tool for connecting with the world, building friendships, and inspiring others—but it has to be used smartly.
The handshake is a simple yet symbolically powerful gesture. How do you interpret this concept in your art? What does it mean to you in terms of connection and communication?
I interpret the handshake through my mixed techniques in art, which intricately come together to create something meaningful. In terms of communication, a handshake can symbolise many things—a new encounter, a pact with a friend, or a job agreement. However, I have to say that I’m more of a hug guy. For me, a hug represents a deeper connection and warmth, emphasising the emotional bond that goes beyond a simple gesture.
The contemporary world is fast-paced and often digital. How do you maintain your artistic authenticity in such a rapidly changing, media-driven environment?
Maintaining artistic authenticity in a fast-paced, media-driven world is challenging, but I stay true to my vision and values. I focus on creating work that resonates with me instead of following trends. By experimenting and exploring my interests, I keep my artistic voice unique. I also take breaks from social media and the real world; I enjoy retreating to the countryside from time to time to reflect and recharge. This helps me reconnect with my core inspirations and stay authentic amidst all the changes, allowing me to create freely.
Are there recurring themes or symbols in your work? What messages or emotions do you hope your audience perceives when viewing your pieces?
There might be hidden symbols in my work—maybe like Easter eggs, who knows. I definitely explore a range of subjects, from religion to sexuality to different personality types. I like to leave space for the audience to interpret and discover meanings on their own, so each piece can evoke something unique for each viewer.
What’s been the most significant moment in your career so far? Perhaps an artwork, exhibition, or an encounter that changed your view of art?
I’m a private person, not someone who’s out and about, so the most significant moments for me are when people I’d never expected show appreciation for my work. There’s a real sense of amazement when they discover all I’ve done over the years, and those moments of recognition mean a lot—they remind me that my art has quietly made its way into places I never anticipated.
How do you envision the future of your art? Are there new directions or experiments you’d like to explore?
I’m currently experimenting with something that blends different artistic mediums in a unique way. It’s an exciting direction that allows me to explore new forms and ideas, and I’m eager to see where this mix will take my work in the future. Stay tuned! (Smiles, E.D.)
