It is with a particular emotion that the year 2025 awakens. A profound joy to receive such a beautiful review led by international experts, notably Marta Puig, whom I sincerely thank for her analysis.

Beyond reinforcing the progress of my approach, this new publication announces an undeniable new turning point. This artistic proposal has moved from anonymity to international recognition in just a few years, with projects becoming increasingly ambitious. 

I invite you to discover the original publication via Art Curator Magazine

 the complete article here

Translated below 

In the saturated realm of contemporary art, Johanna Cardinali emerges as a distinctive voice, whose work gracefully oscillates between timeless elegance and modern sensitivity. A visionary of the Arte Gioia brand, Ms. Cardinali is an artist of rare finesse, transforming ceramic tiles into profound expressions of life, nature, and emotion. Her art does not merely decorate space; it activates it, filling the void with a gentle energy that resonates with viewers, evoking joy, contemplation, and connection.

Ms. Cardinali's work redefines the possibilities of ceramics, a medium often relegated to the domain of craftsmanship. In her hands, ceramics become a language - her forms and textures are manipulated to evoke poetry, her hues speak of the ineffable. For this artist, art is more than an aesthetic experience; it is a means of sharing deep and universal emotions and celebrating the vitality of life itself.

What distinguishes her work is its philosophical depth. Inspired by the bold innovations of Antoni Gaudí and the vibrant palette of South American primitive arts, Ms. Cardinali imbues her creations with a sense of reverence for nature and human connections. These influences are more than visual markers; they shape the core of her artistic identity. Through her complex layering of materials and her deliberate choices of colours and forms, she invites us to meditate on themes of unity, resilience, and the enduring beauty of the natural world.

Johanna Cardinali's artistic journey is one of perseverance and transformation. Self-taught, she has navigated a wide array of disciplines, from street art to sculpture, and from musical instruments like the kalimba to therapeutic modalities. The dynamism and versatility of her work reflect this pluralist approach to creativity. Having begun her artistic career by exploring her own emotional landscape, Ms. Cardinali has since evolved into an art therapist practice, using her skills to facilitate healing and self-expression in others.

Her works are enriched by her travels and the diverse cultures she has encountered. These experiences manifest in her ceramic tiles, which are both personal and universal, vibrant and subtle, simple yet richly detailed. It is a rare talent to balance such dualities with such precision, and this is where Ms. Cardinali's genius truly shines.

The Arte Gioia brand is synonymous with quality, originality, and a commitment to beauty. Since 2017, Cardinali has focused her creative energy on ceramic tiles, placing them in unconventional contexts: paintings, street art, and even sound objects. This choice reflects her fearless approach to breaking boundaries, not only between art forms but also between art and life.

Ms. Cardinali's works celebrate the natural world from a poetic perspective, emphasising brightness and positivity. Her artwork Infinity Love illustrates the vitality of the human heart, symbolising unconditional love and connection. The bright red heartbeat engraved in the ceramic tile is framed by the warm texture of repurposed skateboard wood, anchoring the piece in an aesthetic that is both contemporary and timeless. Each artwork possesses an aura of rarity, authenticated by a discreet engraved brass plaque embedded on the back, a subtle nod to the attention she pays to detail and craftsmanship.

In other works, such as Involucro di Cuore (Embrace of the Heart), Cardinali explores the fragility and strength of the human spirit. The fractured heart patterns evoke the vulnerabilities and triumphs of love, while the vibrant red captures its vitality. This interplay of strength and fragility is a hallmark of her work, reflecting the complexity of the emotions she seeks to distill into a tangible form.

In Broken Heart, Cardinali addresses the theme of emotional vulnerability. The motif of the fractured red heart engraved in the white ceramic tile is a visual metaphor for the universal experience of love and loss. However, rather than depicting despair, Cardinali imbues the work with an underlying sense of hope. The fractured segments of the heart suggest that, though broken, it remains whole, strong, and vibrant in its essence.

The striking contrast between red and white creates a stunning visual effect, while the smooth finish of the ceramic adds a softness that tempers the emotional intensity of the piece. This balance between raw emotion and meticulous execution is characteristic of Ms. Cardinali's ability to transform complex themes into accessible and thought-provoking art. Broken Heart resonates deeply with viewers, reminding them of resilience and the capacity for healing.

The artwork Respect, another collaboration with 720 Degrees, is a masterful exploration of reverence and value. The piece presents a line of heartbeats associated with the word “Respect," engraved in ceramic and mounted on a repurposed skateboard handle. The elongated design evokes the shape of a musical instrument, subtly alluding to Ms. Cardinali's relationship with music and her multidisciplinary approach to art.

This piece highlights her ability to imbue deep meaning into a simple word. By associating Respect with the rhythmic cadence of a heartbeat, she links the concept to the essential pulse of life. The collaborative aspect of this work, combining skateboard craftsmanship with fine ceramics, reinforces Ms. Cardinali's philosophy of bridging worlds and creating dialogues between different art forms.

Involucro di Cuore (translated as Embrace of the Heart) is a striking example of Cardinali's complex interplay of emotion and materiality. The ceramic tile represents an abstract heart surrounded by layers of interlocking patterns, like a protective shield. This motif reflects Ms. Cardinali's fascination with the dualities of vulnerability and protection, highlighting the human need to safeguard our emotions while allowing love to flourish.

The use of gold in the tile design adds a layer of elegance and richness, enhancing the symbolic warmth of the piece. The attention to detail in the interwoven patterns underscores Cardinali's technical precision and her ability to create intricate designs that remain visually harmonious.

In Mirror, Cardinali explores the concept of self-reflection and identity. The work features a clean ceramic tile that integrates natural elements with a mirror effect, inviting viewers to see themselves as part of the artwork. This interaction between reflection and materiality creates an engaging dynamic, encouraging introspection.

The polished ceramic surface of Mirror contrasts with the textured natural elements, symbolising the tension between a person's polished outward personality and their raw, authentic self. Ms. Cardinali's use of reflective surfaces transforms the viewer from a passive observer into an active participant in the art, thus deepening their emotional engagement with her work.

With Immortelle, Cardinali pays homage to the resilience and beauty of nature. The bright yellow bloom of the everlasting flower, carefully depicted on a ceramic tile, attests to the enduring vitality of life. Ms. Cardinali's choice of subject reflects her deep respect for natural elements and her ability to translate their essence into artistic form.

The simplicity of the flower's representation is balanced by the subtle texture of the ceramic surface, creating a piece that is both delicate and powerful. The vivid yellow contrasts with the understated background of the tile, highlighting the symbolic strength of the flower and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

The Louvre tile is a remarkable example of Ms. Cardinali's ability to integrate historical aesthetics into her work. Drawing inspiration from traditional damask patterns, this piece combines intricate golden motifs with the ceramics for which she is known. The result is a work that bridges classical refinement and modern minimalism.

The symmetrical design and rich textures evoke a timeless elegance, while the subtle play of light on the ceramic surface adds a dynamic quality to the piece. The Louvre tile, like many of Cardinali's creations, transcends mere decoration to become a statement of enduring beauty and sophistication.

In all these works, several elements emerge as Cardinali's signature. Firstly, her ability to blend simplicity with complex details - a skill that allows her works to be both refined and accessible. Her choice of ceramics as a medium reflects her connection to the tangible and handmade, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the digital and ephemeral nature of much contemporary art.

Secondly, Ms. Cardinali's works are imbued with philosophical depth. Whether she explores themes of connection, self-reflection, or resilience, she invites viewers to engage with her art on an emotional and intellectual level. The incorporation of natural motifs and materials strengthens this connection, anchoring her works in the elemental beauty of the world around us.

An important facet of Ms. Cardinali's practice is her collaborative work. Her partnership with 720 Degrees, which incorporates repurposed skateboard marquetry into her tiles, represents a unique fusion between contemporary subcultures and fine arts. This collaboration not only expands the reach of her art but also affirms her commitment to creating bridges between different artistic worlds.

The visual elegance of Ms. Cardinali's work is immediately perceivable. The delicate, finely-crafted details of her pieces exude a serene energy. Her thoughtful use of colour, from warm golds to vibrant reds, transforms each ceramic tile into a celebration of life. It is no exaggeration to say that her works possess a brightness that captivates viewers at any time of day, reflecting her ability to transform the mundane into the sublime.

Texture plays an essential role in Ms. Cardinali's art. By juxtaposing the smooth surfaces of her ceramic tiles with the grainy textures of natural materials such as wood, she creates a tactile dialogue that engages both the senses and the intellect. Her works invite touch, encouraging a deeper, almost meditative engagement with the piece. This material interaction underscores her belief in the interconnectedness of the elements of life: earth, fire, and the human spirit.

The art of Johanna Cardinali occupies a unique position in the world of contemporary art. In an era where digital media often dominate the discourse, her work reminds us of the enduring power of the tangible and the handcrafted. Ms. Cardinali's commitment to ceramics as a means of expression, combined with her ability to marry tradition and innovation, positions her as a bridge between the past and the future. Her pieces resonate with historical significance while remaining resolutely modern.

Furthermore, the accessibility of her art - its ability to speak to people of all cultures and artistic preferences - grants it importance not only in elite art circles but also in broader contexts. Her works are not merely visual objects; they are vessels of emotion, philosophy, and connection.

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, Johanna Cardinali stands out with her singular talent. Her capacity to distill profound emotions into the compact and complex medium of ceramic tiles attests to her mastery as an artist. With Arte Gioia, she has created a body of work that is as engaging intellectually as it is resonant emotionally.

The works of Ms. Cardinali, whether displayed in a gallery or integrated into everyday environments, radiate an energy that is both calming and imposing. Her art invites us to pause, reflect, and connect with the beauty that surrounds us. It is this philosophy, this celebration of the richness and complexity of life, that makes Johanna Cardinali a prominent figure in the world of contemporary art.

In an age where so many artworks seek to shock or provoke, Ms. Cardinali's work achieves something far rarer and more precious: it uplifts, it soothes, and it reminds us of the profound beauty inherent in the world. This is why her contribution to art is not just important, it is essential.

The art of Johanna Cardinali is a luminous reminder of the transformative power of creative expression. Her ability to balance dualities - simplicity and complexity, tradition and innovation, emotion and form - positions her as an artist whose work transcends boundaries and trends. Ms. Cardinali has carved out a place in the contemporary art world where her voice, though subtle, resonates deeply. Her ceramic tiles, both delicate and bold, elevate a material historically associated with craftsmanship into the realm of fine art. This achievement speaks volumes about her ingenuity and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

What truly distinguishes Ms. Cardinali, however, is the ability of her art to resonate so deeply with viewers. Her works are not merely hung on walls; they breathe life into spaces, evoking joy, introspection, and a sense of connection. In a world often consumed by the rapid pace of digital life, Ms. Cardinali's works invite us to slow down, to touch, to see, and to feel. They celebrate the tactile and the physical, the handmade and the heartfelt.

Through her art, Ms. Cardinali has built a legacy of emotional resonance and artistic innovation. Her creations are not just an aesthetic triumph, but a reminder of the enduring aim of art: to reflect, celebrate, and elevate the human spirit. Thus, her place in contemporary art is not only assured, it is also profoundly significant, attesting to her unparalleled talent and vision.

By Marta Puig

Editor-in-Chief of Contemporary Art Curator magazine