Introduction
Alessandro Paglia, an Italian artist celebrated in the UK, crafts hyper-realistic pen and ink drawings that captivate with their elegance. Based in Milan, his work transforms everyday objects and pop culture icons into striking black-and-white compositions. Using fine-tipped pens on cotton paper, Paglia’s meticulous art explores textures, stories, and hidden personalities of his subjects. From crumpled banknotes to cartoon characters, his creations blend design history with modern flair, resonating with UK collectors who admire his innovative, photorealistic style.
Biography
Alessandro Paglia, born in 1980 in Milan, Italy, grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant design culture. With a degree in product design and over a decade in the field, he shifted to art in his 30s, driven by a passion for drawing. Self-taught in illustration, Paglia developed his signature style using black ink pens on rough-grain cotton paper, creating hyper-realistic works that mimic photographs.
His move to full-time artistry in 2015 marked a turning point, as he began exploring objects’ stories—sneakers, classic cars, or cartoon icons—through meticulous pen work. Each piece, taking 50 to 250 hours, layers chaotic lines to achieve vivid textures and contrasts. His “Midas Touch” quartet, featuring gold-embossed cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse, gained traction in UK galleries in 2022.
From his Milan studio, Paglia experiments with objects, folding or crushing them to reveal new narratives, then photographs them for his drawings. His works, exhibited across Europe, including UK venues, captivate with their detail and emotional depth. Collectors prize his ability to transform familiar items into surprising, symbolic art.
Paglia’s UK presence grew through shows at galleries, showcasing his fusion of design and art. His work, featured in publications like Designboom, reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries, blending Milan’s design heritage with universal themes of memory and innovation.
Alessandro Paglia’s journey from designer to globally recognized artist highlights his dedication to reimagining objects’ stories, creating powerful visual statements that resonate with UK audiences and beyond.
