Simone Giai (April 9, 1998) began his artistic journey in high school, when he discovered the world of graffiti. In the following years, he worked as a sous chef in kitchens, a vivid and raw environment that deeply influenced his creative evolution. This experience fueled a multidisciplinary approach that now encompasses his primary medium, painting, alongside analog photography, sound, and video.

Giai primarily works with Cyanotype, not as a traditional photographic technique, but as a painterly process. He enriches it with natural elements like turmeric and tannin, which alter the iconic Prussian blue tones, and combines it with tools such as spray paint, acrylics, and pastels. This eclectic and experimental approach has led to the development of a distinctive mixed media style.

Growing up in the countryside at the foot of the mountains, Giai’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in a connection to the essential elements of nature. The sun plays a central role, both technically and symbolically, as he experiments with varying intensities of sunlight on his canvases. Softer tones emerge under the gentle UV rays of early morning, while deeper, more saturated hues are achieved at midday. This ritualistic use of sunlight recalls ancient traditions that revered the sun as a divine force.

In 2024, he launched Behind the Sun, an audiovisual project created in collaboration with Turin-based bassist Marco Longhin. Blending spontaneous jam session recordings with immersive visual storytelling, the project aims to create spaces of dream and reflection, where imagination and nature come together beyond the boundaries of reality.

EXHIBITIONS AND PRIZES :

‘’Cieloterra’’
Collective show. Rosignano Monferrato (AL)
22 June-20 July 2024

‘’Paratissima Talents‘’ 
Collective show at Cavallerizza Turin
9 May-2 June 2024

‘’Dove va il sole quando cala dietro le montagne?’’
Personal exhibition at Hub della creatività, Torino creativa (TO)
12-14 April 2024


Winner of the Talent Prize and Communication Prize at Paratissima 2023,  Turin. 


‘’Dove tutto ha inizio è dove si nasconde la fine’’
Personal exhibition with Rossana La Verde, Briup festival, Missaglia (LC)
23-25 June 2023


Utopian hours
Collective show at Nuvola Lavazza (TO)
14-16 October 2022


Cramum Award
September 2022


‘’Crea l’osservato’’
Personal exhibition
in spazio bianco at Nodo Concept Space
Pinerolo (TO)
March 2022


TEST(*E)
Personal art show at Ginko
Biloba Cultural club Pinerolo (TO)
November 2021



PUBLICATIONS:

‘’Under My Skin’’, Osservatoriomaree catalog
June 2025



Instagram: simonegiai_
simonegiai2131@gmail.com