Michele Simonetti is an Italian artist and architect based in Brooklyn, New York. Inspiration for his work stems from direct observation of his surroundings. Using sharp lines and high-contrast color fields, Simonetti synthesizes the urban landscape into compositions of minimal purity and spatial tension. Through abstraction and simplicity, he is able to find a shared visual language that can relate to everyone personally, culturally and emotionally. The forms are purposefully stripped of any identifying feature, becoming universal references that trigger unexpected memories and build an intimate connection with the viewer.

Chromatic distortion is another technique used by the artist to divert the audience's attention from the original subjects. Across the canvases float thick and textured color fields in navy blue, cerulean, maroon, or gold. Ample negative spaces invite the viewer to use their imagination and build unique and personal narratives: it is an invitation to action. Simonetti says, “My work is an investigation on personal and collective memories, real and imagined worlds. I am looking for a common ground, a place of shared visual experiences.”