“I’m a figurative painter and I’m a realist,” says Mario Balsamo as he describes himself. Growing up in Milan, Balsamo was exposed to the industrial intensity of one of Italy’s foremost cities. Determined to follow his calling in fine arts, he maintained this goal by juggling work and study at the same time just to keep up. After relocating to Rome, he began to deepen his interest and expertise in figurative painting by working actively alongside like-minded artists in the sprightly Roman art scene. An avid traveller, he and his wife, Patrizia Donnicola, have lived in many countries across Asia and spent nearly 15 years exploring Malaysia together.
Today, Balsamo resides in Kuala Lumpur and runs an art studio on the upper floors of commercial spaces in Bandar Sri Menjalara, just a short distance from Desa ParkCity. Despite the limitations of art education in Malaysia, Balsamo views it as a blank canvas with significant potential for artistic exposure. “I hope my paintings will spark purposeful conversations and encourage people here to appreciate art more authentically,” he muses. Walking into the studio, you’ll find a well-lit, open expanse filled with lifelike paintings of various sizes, each imbued with narrative depth. One can’t help but wonder how he conceptualised these imaginative subjects. What drives his creativity? “My primary source of inspiration is myself,” Balsamo reveals. “Although music and movies can influence my mood, the true inspiration comes from within. I stay connected to that inner source.”
His work always starts with a specific concept—he prefers to paint people he personally knows, as it adds a sense of familiarity. Occasionally, he will include a subtle portrait of himself somewhere in the background. “I could explain the stories behind my artwork, but I believe that if you stand in front of any of my paintings for five to 10 minutes, you’ll develop your own interpretation. You won’t need anyone else to tell you what you see, as each person brings their own story to the piece,” Balsamo affirms. He’s also not afraid to express his thoughts and portray his vision, having built his entire career on this philosophy. “I don’t see myself as a perfectionist. I appreciate my mistakes. I do keep all my less successful pieces in my archives because they represent my growth as a painter. It’s valuable to revisit these works and see how much I’ve evolved.”
Balsamo approaches his work uniquely by skipping preparatory steps. He tones the canvas and then starts working on it directly with his well-worn paintbrushes. He layers the composition in stages and visualises the entire piece frame by frame. Reflecting on his earlier days, he notes: “I used to draw a lot when I was younger, but I stopped because drawing consumed too much of my energy, leaving me with less for painting. Eventually, I redirected all my efforts into painting.” The painter also finds a strong resonance with professional dancers and athletes due to their constant training and practice. “I see myself in a similar way—I’m always refining my painting skills whenever I can.” He concludes: “I don’t see my career as just a job; I pursue it because I genuinely enjoy it. It’s fulfilling to know that this has been my inclination and will remain for years to come.”
The painter currently teaches and is always on the lookout for new collaborators. Studio visits are available by appointment only. Mario Balsamo’s art studio is located at 1-11, V1M3, Jalan 11/62a, Bandar Sri Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.
To learn more about Mario Balsamo’s artworks, follow his Instagram and Facebook pages.
More photos of Mario Balsamo and his art
Lead image: Balsamo alongside his large-scale artworks.
Photography: Law Soo Phye
