Marzio Fiorini, the nostalgic charm of Rio de Janeiro

Marzio Fiorini is a multifaceted artist, taking its inspiration from Carioca’s nature and from his many travels… He speaks about his nostalgia of Rio golden hours, and his hopes for the future…

You have many creative projects... What kind of artist are you?

I am a multitalented artist.

I used to work in fashion in the 1980’s, and one night I dreamt of rubber jewels… Everybody told me that it would not be possible to produce it, but I persevered.
I launched my own brand of rubber jewels in the 2000’s, based in Barcelona. It was brand new, accessible rubber jewels that everybody can wear. It was distributed in 15 countries, I won 5 prizes, and travelled a lot. I have been copied, but as Coco Chanel said “There is no success without being copied”…

But in 2008, I came back to Rio as I was too tired of travelling. I started to paint, and it became my main passion, along with dance, music and fashion. Now I work by myself, and only with open-minded and modern art galleries. I create paintings inspired by Matisse, Picasso, Miro, Calder… and also by the shapes of nature.

Where are you from?

I was born in Petropolis, an imperial city near Rio where Emperor Don Pedro Secundo built his summer Palace, up in the mountains, to get fresh air. My grandfather Fiorini came from Verona (Italy) to live there with his parents.

Many cariocas have Holliday cottages in Petropolis. When I was kid, I often went to Rio, the big city near Petropolis …

How do you feel living in Rio?

I love Rio, but I don’t want to stay here.
Rio brings me inspiration thanks to its tremendous nature, light, spaces, extraordinary beauty and generous people… But it’s hard to live here.

In the 1980’s, Rio was full of energy, elegance and natural sophistication, under French influence. I lived my best life here, with the disco jet set. French VIP such as Maxim’s, Régine, came here to open fantastic clubs.
Today, Rio is driving a lot of money, but it’s all about nouveaux riches, no good taste anymore. We have lost the special identity and elegance of the city. We need education. For exemple, Anita is a very good Brazilian singer, but why is She so vulgar? This problem is global, but in Brazil it’s amplified, more perceptible.

We have also a big problem of violence. When I was young, I used to party all night long and never had any problem. Now, violence is everywhere. Recently, my cousin was robed at gunpoint in the bus. We cannot wear jewels, watch nor valuable things in the streets…

I am tired of this. This is too stressful. I want to live in a safe city where I can feel free. For me, freedom is essential, to be inspired.
 

You live in a splendid house in the neighborhood of Sao Conrado…

I have been living here for 9 years. Sao Conrado is surrounded by nature. It gives me inspiration.
It looks like my hometown, Petropolis: quiet and very different from Rio center.
I need to feel the forest, the trees, hearing birds singing, and also the silence…

This wealthy area is also highly contrasting with the favelas nearby (Vigidal, Rocinhas)… People are living there in very harsh conditions. I hope that it will go better in the future.

Now I am looking for a new destination to settle down and create, with energy and nature, but safer than Rio. Maybe it will be Miami, or Paris… I’m sure that soon, the Universe will show me where to go.

 
 What your favorite places in Rio?

My canteen? Org Bistro
I love to eat in this organic canteen, full of healthy, light and fresh food, in the dynamic area of La Baja. I practice Chinese medicine and I mind my alimentation.

Adress: Av. Olegário Maciel, 175 - loja g - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22621-200

My art center? Instituto Moreira Salles 
This place is unique, with a special atmosphere. There are always interesting exhibitions, very good coffee, and a nice modern architecture. There is also another Moreira Salles center in Sao Paulo.

Address: R. Marquês de São Vicente, 476 - Gávea, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22451-040

My museum? Museo de Arte Moderna – MAM Rio
A great classic museum with architecture from the 1950’s.

Adress: Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Parque do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20021-140

My restaurant? Gusto
In the trendy and elegant neighborhood of Leblon, this restaurant offers a delicious contemporary Italian food, and a nice atmosphere.

Adress: Rua Dias Ferreira, 78 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22431-050

Interview & Pictures: Angela Perigot.
Many thanks to Marie-Laure Solanet!