Mauro Menin - Artist
About
Mauro Menin is a self-thought Italian painter currently based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. His works center around figurative and portraiture art, and examine the manifold aspects of life - seeking to celebrate, question, and criticize humanity in all its manifestations.
Mauro was born in Turin, a captivating city known for its rich history, elegant architecture. Growing up, his main artistic influences were coming from Japanese anime, comics, and the works of Walt Disney. Always captivated by the representation of forms and shapes, he studied product design at University of Polytechnic, Turin and worked in various digital, product and strategic design fields for the following 15 years. Many of the products he worked on have been recognized with ‘Red dot design award’, ‘Iconic awards’ and ‘IF product design award’.
In 2019, he embarked on a journey of artistic self-discovery that unfolded amidst his travels and experiences in diverse countries and cultures. Immersed in the tapestry of human interactions and emotions, Mauro evolved into a contemplative observer, attuned to the subtleties of life's intricate dramas.
Eventually, painting entered his life when he was gifted a simple painting kit by his aunt. Moving to Luxembourg in 2014, and facing the challenges of adapting to a new environment, he turned painting into a therapeutic outlet for his emotions. This marked a transformative moment, as he found a unique way to express his inner world through brushstrokes that he’s been working to perfect ever since.
Mauro Menin’s art has been showcased in commercial venues such Bricklane Gallery in London, UK, and Lila Gallery in Frankfurt, Germany, and was also published in Spotlight magazine by the Circle Foundation for the Arts. It can be found in many private collections in France, Germany, UK, Italy and the USA.
In 2024 his painting Brian J. made was selected as part of the FAV15% (jury's favorite 15% of the entries) in the November 2024 BoldBrush Painting competition.
In 2025 his works were selected as part of the finalists of the first edition of the Tartget art prize.
Artist statement
I find great joy in painting with oil colors, as the slow drying allows me to work more deliberately when refining my works during its different phases. Allowing for subtle changes in hue, these paints contribute to the richness, complexity and depth of my compositions, which are achieved through the delicate interplay of light and shadow. Also adding in a heavy medium that allows me to sculpt and mould the surface, it adds a tactile dimension to my creations.
My painting process is deeply influenced by my background as a product designer, and this expertise solidifies in my minimal and essential approach, which usually begins with thumbnail sketches to gain clarity about the intentions and the essence of the piece. Translating to the canvas, I start with loose brushstrokes that make for structures and contrasts, intending to grab the attention of the viewer. Through constant refining, I strive to create works that resonate with a harmonious balance of design principles and expressive creativity. My way of using oil paints is a testament to my approach, which allows my works to resonate with an authenticity that transcends traditional techniques.
The results are works that interplay the observation of people and their behaviors on the outside, with exploring the complexities of my inner self. They are physical examinations of the manifold aspects of life and seek to celebrate, question, and criticize humanity in all its manifestations.