Ancient wisdom meets modern vision: the last evolution of Ballocca
Alberto BalloccaThe artistic journey continues to flourish, his latest works reflecting a deeper dive into ancient philosophies, natural models and the exploration of human perception. During the last year, his art has reached new heights, because pieces have been acquired by private collectors around the world, and its exhibitions, including a leading solo exhibition in the Beijing province, were acclaimed by criticism. However, even if his profile increases internationally, Ballocca remains firmly rooted in his exploration of timeless themes, using his art to shed light on the intersections of antiquity, nature and contemporary life.
Among his recent achievements, Ballocca has shot his goal to discover the hidden links between language, symbols and existence. Inspired by Plato's philosophical texts and ancient hieroglyphs, he developed a unique “personal grammar” which defies the rules of the traditional language. By creating and using symbolic elements, it connects the essence of ancient knowledge to modern artistic expression. These elements find their way in his works not only as visual components, but also as conceptual frameworks that engage the spectator in a dialogue on the nature of perception and meaning.
Nature also remains central to the practice of Ballocca, obvious both in its choice of materials and its artistic themes. Thanks to collaborations with scientific and archaeological projects, such as Medjehu: investigate Woodcrafts along the Nile, it incorporates elements such as carbon dating and natural cycles in its parts. In doing so, he underlines the importance of understanding the place of humanity in the broader rhythms of the natural world, while simultaneously exploring the ways in which these ancient discoveries inform and resonate with contemporary life.
Alberto Ballocca: Sens layers in Pho & nyx
One of the most striking recent works in Ballocca, Pho and Nyxillustrates his ability to distill deep philosophical concepts in captivating visual forms. The title of painting, which combines the Greek terms “phòs” (light) and “nyx” (night), serves as a metaphorical exploration of duality, lighting and rebirth. He also alludes to the Phoenix, the mythical bird which rises from its ashes, symbolizing transformation and regeneration. For Ballocca, painting is an investigation into the liminal space where light and darkness intersect, as is the journey of personal and artistic evolution.
What distinguishes Pho & Nyx is its complex connection with language and thought. Ballocca describes his process as the one where each word, emotion and abstraction generates a series of “indeterminate psychic manifestations”. These psychic echoes, which emerge as it creates, reflect the structure of ancient hieroglyphs and the transformative power of the language. By connecting these linguistic elements to artistic practice, Pho & Nyx becomes more than a painting – it becomes a philosophical meditation on the way in which humanity has sought to give meaning to the world through symbolic systems.
By discussing Pho & Nyx, Ballocca also addresses the relationship between the spectator and the work, stressing that art provides a space for the most direct and honest expression of societal perceptions. Unlike science or music, which have their own limits to transmit the truth, art allows viewers to link ancient wisdom to modern complexity. With his meanings in layers, Pho & Nyx invites reflection on the way in which language, thought and emotion converge, leaving the spectator struggling with his enigmatic beauty and his ability to speak beyond the limits of words.
Natural elements and philosophical depth: the story of Onyon
In OnyonBallocca further pushes his exploration of language, perception and existence. This mixed canvas, created in 2025, superimposes a deep philosophical investigation with symbolic images inspired by nature and ancient thought. The title itself reflects this complexity: it combines the word “onion”, representing the multiple layers of interpretation in art and life, with the Greek root “on”, a term of the philosophy of Plato which means the essence of being. Together, these elements offer a visual and conceptual meditation on the relationship between life, earth and death.
Ballocca compares the act of creating Onyon to take off the layers of an onion, revealing the interaction between intention and action. He considers intention to be the foundation of truth, while action becomes the visible manifestation of this deeper reality. In this sense, Onyon puts viewers in challenge to consider the way in which perception is shaped not by the actions themselves but by the intentions behind them. This tension between observations and the invisible reflects the cyclic nature of existence, where the beginnings and the ends fall back to each other, just like the layers overlapping the canvas.
The work of art also engages with language as a tool of thought and creation. Ballocca underlines how writing offers a framework for human speculation, noting how ancient cuneiform scripts and modern digital symbols like emojis serve as bridges between thought and communication. Through its symbolic grammar, it bypasses traditional linguistic structures, allowing the spectator to connect with the deeper truths of existence. Onyon thus becomes both a visual and intellectual puzzle, encouraging a contemplative journey through its richly lying meanings.
Alberto Ballocca: sculpting life, philosophy and nature
In addition to his paintings, Ballocca has made significant progress in his sculptural work, illustrated by Kissos (κισσός) – Ying.yang. This clay sculpture, imbued with ivy, ink and acrylic, demonstrates its deep commitment to natural elements and their symbolic meaning. The piece takes its name from the old Greek word for Ivy, a plant associated with the Dionysos, symbolizing life, death and renewal. Thanks to this work, Ballocca studies the philosophical and natural models that shape human understanding, inspired by the poem by Plato Theaetetus and meditative practices.
Ballocca describes Kissos as “halfway between life, earth and death”, embodying his belief in the interdependence of all things. The sculpture merges its studies on ancient Greek symbolism with its continuous exploration of natural cycles, creating a work which resonates with a historical and contemporary meaning. By incorporating Ivy – a plant that clings and develops in spirals – the Boulecca visually transmits the cyclic and endless nature of the models of life, aligning its work with wider themes of regeneration and continuity.
This sculpture also represents Ballocca's commitment to integrate philosophical reflection with tactile physical materials. He sees the act of sculpting as a dialogue with the natural world, where clay and ink serve as conduits to express ideas on being, knowledge and perception. In Kissos, as in a large part of his work, the material and the conceptual conceptual, inviting the spectator to consider the deeper ties between art, nature and existence.
Link to Albertos' biography: https://www.brush.bio/albertoballocca
