The changing faces of art have often been shaped by small collectives of inspired artists.  The Energy Art Movement, or EAM, is precisely this: a small group of artists who seek to bring art to a whole new level. As it has rapidly grown from its inception in 2008 to over one hundred artists, the collective is “energizing” the art world with a vibrant and uplifting passion. Its works hit us with an immediate intensity that pleases the eye and soul alike, without using any gimmicks or vulgarities that seem so popular in contemporary art. Among its five founders is Giorgio Vaselli, a motivated, thoughtful, and inspired organizer who has helped the whole movement take shape.

Helene Kippert - Matrix No. 5, Courtesy EAM

“Energy art”, Vaselli says, “is art that resonates with impact and feeling. These are those works that pulsate with a mysterious force, whether it is a force beyond us or part of our own elemental humanity.” Works of Energy art often contain vibrant colors and rolling dynamics. They tend to depict uplifting and inspiring subjects, including intense light, surreal deities, and dramatic textures. It is a bold and almost celebratory kind of art, often with swirling funnels of light, halos, and gorgeous streams of fire. Looking at it, we can sense, it is made by artists who respect what they do and take responsibility for what they create. Vaselli says energy art, “should aspire to capture the energetic essence of life.”

The EAM situates itself within the context of art history.  It tells its own story as a new chapter in the book of great art movements.  “The world of Fine Arts is in a state of chaos,” wrote Vaselli in EAM’s Manifesto. “We believe that there is a way that would truly involve moving forward, by building upon what our forefathers have begun.” Energy art is cited as our contemporary manifestation of a lineage of great artistic movements and their achievements – from cave paintings, to Michelangelo in the Renaissance, to French Impressionism, and through Surrealism.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Vaselli about the Movement.  He shares his passionate and articulate voice in order to inspire us to “join the ride.”

Sonic Eclectic: How is Energy Art unique? Doesn’t all art have energy?

Hiroyuki Saito - Beyond the Phoenix Wings, Courtesy EAM

Giorgio Vaselli: Energy Art is a well-defined artistic and ideological concept, and it is only as unique as its definition – our manifesto. In the artistic sense, it emphasizes the value of energetic compositions for enhanced depiction. In the ideological sense, it is a set of principles that wish to resolve some current dilemmas in Fine Art, while pointing to a potential future.

SE: You wrote, “the world of Fine Arts is in a state of chaos.” What do you see as the major problem of the Fine Arts today?

GV: The major problem is that it operates under a false axiom – “art is made to be sold” – as discussed in my recent essay. It is fine to “make and sell” but not “make to sell”. This false axiom creates a cascade of consequences, resulting in the current chaotic art world. But chaos can be the womb of order. Artists are now forming tribes of common voices, with greater potential than alone.

Jeroen Van Valkenbug - Gatekeeper, Courtesy EAM

SE: Is there a common inspiration or feeling that unites Energy Artists besides the principles?

GV: This inspirational feeling is a marvel of the human subconscious – our common energetic visuality. With or without prior influence, artists around the world instinctively create Energy Art. Perhaps it is a higher level of visual imagination, to move from thoughts of mere motion, to the energetic realms.

SE: Why do you place a heavy emphasis on the historical context of the Movement?

GV: In academia, placing new concepts such as Energy Art into a historical context is a prerequisite. Furthermore, it adds to the strength of our foundations. It also shows that artistic genius throughout history has developed to the energetic level, constituting a blatant argument for its relevance.

SE: What does it mean to take on the challenge of “truly moving forward” through an art movement?

GV: I believe it means creating lasting currents in the ocean of history. Never regressing to remodernize, but learning from the past and building upon it. Translating dreams into a direction that makes sense, and following the direction firmly and consistently, which may inspire others to join the ride.

SE: What is your vision for the Movement in the future? What would you like to see it achieve?

Lindsay Swan - The Dragon Came By and I Got On, Courtesy EAM

GV: My vision is to bring back the idea of “respect” and “integrity” into the world of Fine Art. Respect for one another, wherever we are, whatever we create, however we create it. Respect for the old masters. Transcending our differences for our unity. Eradicating the false axiom. Finding order in the chaos. And most importantly, to bring back modern art into the everyday lives of people, by resurrecting their interest and respect for genuinely conceptual art.

Learn more about the Energy Art Movement at their official website:

www.energyartmovement.org