Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length. The full, unedited version is available in our .ART Odyssey: SUCCESS, now on sale on Amazon.

Ever wondered how artists become famous in their lifetime? Here’s your chance to discover the magic with Alex Righetto (alexrighetto.art), an Italian artist making waves in the art world from the US. From being featured in Vanity Fair and Vogue to seeing his work light up a billboard in New York City, Alex is redefining success with his unique artistic style. Recently, his career reached new heights when his “Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis” collection debuted at Windsor Castle, where he enjoyed tea with Prince Edward. His solo exhibition at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona is just the latest milestone in a career that’s turning heads.

A graduate of the prestigious Gianbettino Cignaroli Academy in Verona, Alex crafts bold compositions with vibrant color palettes that tell emotionally charged stories. His art draws inspiration from his Italian heritage, blending elements of history with a modern twist. He has showcased his work at Miami Art Basel and served as a resident artist at Priano in Tampa, FL.

In 2023, his piece “Mona Lisa’s Daughter” lit up a mega billboard in New York City, while his first solo exhibition in Miami set new standards for contemporary art. Now fully dedicated to his passion, Alex Righetto invites you to dive into his world of visually stunning and thought-provoking artworks.

What do you consider to be the moment of “breakthrough” in your career? 

I believe an artist’s career is made up of many small yet significant steps. Like a journey to the top of a mountain, every step matters. However, if I had to choose the most meaningful moment, it would be something almost no one knows about me. 

One distant day, I was trying to help my father. I saw him there, sad and thoughtful. He had received some bad news at work, which had deeply affected him. An attack had left him feeling down and contemplative for many hours. He felt that after a lifetime dedicated to his work, what had happened was unjust. I told him that he knew in his heart he had done his best and that he should take pride in having sustained a company for over 40 years. I told him he didn’t need anyone’s approval. 

He looked at me very intensely, as if waking from a spell. But what surprised me the most was that, suddenly, I realized something about myself as I said those words to him. It was as if I had been stripped bare and made vulnerable. Why do we, as artists, need the approval of others? Why do we seek validation? This was the reason why, a long time ago, I temporarily abandoned art and artistic creation. It was a dark period in my life. Seeking suggestions, approvals, and advice, I gradually found myself up against a wall. And what I was preaching to my father was actually what I needed to hear myself. 

The most important breakthrough was getting back into the game. And it was worth it. 

Certainly, there have been many events, including recent ones, that have brought me great emotions. Among these were a solo exhibition in Miami and, more recently, an exhibition at Windsor Castle, where I met Prince Edward, brother of King Charles. 

My “Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis” collection debuted at Windsor Castle, marking a career milestone. 

The months leading up to the event were a true journey. My artworks, originally stored in the United States, had to be safely transported to the United Kingdom. Every canvas, every frame, every single detail had to be perfect. The preparations were a logistical challenge: the artworks needed to be carefully packed, shipped across the ocean, and then reframed once they arrived. 

I consider each of these events true breakthroughs. 

Many artists find it hard to balance creation and promotion. How do you carve out space for your creative process in your busy schedule? Do you have a prioritizing system? 

Unfortunately, artists often work with the idea that they can do everything on their own. This mindset often leads them to end up working for others or teaching. In which other business is it really possible to do everything alone? Unless you become an employee, you need to think of yourself as a business. Even in the past, great artists established workshops. Leonardo da Vinci came from Verrocchio’s workshop, who himself was a successful artist. 

No matter how much one works alone, there will come a point of exhaustion. A team will always accomplish more than an individual. Management, promotion, accounting, production, and public relations—how is it possible to do it all alone? However, if I had to prioritize one activity, it would be promotion. Without promotion, no business can exist. 

If you are just starting out and cannot afford to have staff, my advice is to compartmentalize your time. A year consists of 12 months; I would use almost six months for promotion and the remaining time for production and exhibitions. 

What is your process for saying “no” to some opportunities? Is there a “verification” question one can ask themselves to make sure something is worth pursuing? 

I believe the answer is simple. The question we ask ourselves is: is it worth it? Moving paintings around the world is a lengthy process, expensive and complicated in terms of attention to detail. Many times, when evaluating the details, we answer “no” to the question. And that’s practically all there is to it. The offer seems fantastic until the details reveal its true nature.  

Your ability to promote your work effectively is remarkable. What strategies have you found most successful in marketing yourself and your art? Are there any platforms or methods you prioritize over others? 

Thank you for the compliment. The platform I prioritize the most is my website (thanks to .ART for this aspect)…

Thank you for your interest in this article. The full version is available in the second editon of our .ART Odyssey Publication. Purchase a physical copy or download onto your kindle from Amazon today.