Pineider Postcards by Francesco Mandelli
Actor, director, comedian, musician: Francesco Mandelli is a multifaceted artist accustomed to expressing himself through different forms of language. However, there is a more intimate and recent passion he has decided to share with the world: drawing. To tell this story to his friends, he chose a simple yet meaningful gesture, treating himself to a set of personalized postcards featuring his own artwork, ready to be sent.
Francesco, how did your love for drawing begin?
«It all started with my daughter. As she grew, she fell in love with wax crayons, and watching her draw, I thought: it would be incredible to recapture that spontaneity, that ability to create without worrying about external judgment. You just do it, and what comes out is the purest image of what’s in your mind at that moment».
Have you been influenced by any contemporary artists in particular?
«Besides my daughter, another great inspiration has been Adam Green, a dear friend and eclectic artist. While touring together, I watched him draw instinctively, almost musically. With pastels, he could translate a sound into an image: it was as if I could hear it before even seeing it. His creative freedom, without schemes or rules, profoundly influenced me».
What do your drawings represent?
«Formula One and its graphic symbolism are a recurring theme. As a child, at the start of every season, I would buy Formula Sprint and copy Ferrari liveries and their sponsors, fascinated by the colors and designs. Today, I revisit that imagery but distort it, as if pushing it into overdrive, creating images full of energy».
Which classic artist has influenced you the most?
«In both painting and music, I seek inspiration from the artists I admire. Basquiat is an evident reference, to the point that, with great humility, I’ve called myself the Non-Basquiat, a way to openly acknowledge my inspiration».
You draw on Pineider’s Fiorenza avorio paper. Why this choice?
«I was looking for high-quality paper that would make drawing a sensory experience. I use rough A4 sheets, perfect for pastels: the color is beautifully absorbed, and with layering, the surface becomes smooth, almost velvety. It’s a pleasure not just to see, but also to touch».
