In his professional career Emilio Martinenghi has managed to successfully interpret many different roles: consultant, politician, artist.
How was it possible for you to reconcile such different commitments?
«Certainly with a dose of pleasure and passion, combined by a common denominator and that is the way of expressing myself in the various fields. I try to remain authentic and not conditioned by the possible outcome of my activities. Let me explain: it matters how I do more than I think I get. The various activities then complement each other and support each other».
After years of political activity, what balance do you feel like drawing from this experience?
«A budget that is not yet definitive and is always in flux. Political activity has allowed me and still allows me to get to know the people and the territory and to receive stimuli and criticism and also to be able to participate in our social life. The Canton of Ticino is in my heart and therefore I receive its joys and sorrows. I hope to instill positivity and optimism, an exercise that is not always easy with the times that go by".
The Ticino to come. What would you like to help achieve over the next few years?
«To contribute to forming a courageous and non-renunciatory mentality, with an entrepreneurial spirit and risk where the principles of solidarity are placed in the foreground and this through the recognition and respect of individual well-being and its training. Less judgmental moralism and cheap respectability. Everyone must be able to aspire to his individual well-being and with this then contribute to the help of the weakest and most fragile and in particular of all marginalized people. Therefore a canton where it is possible to dream of improving one's social condition and which has a profound sense of respect for all citizens".
How did you discover that you had an artistic vocation and what were the main stages of your journey in this field?
«In an absolutely random way and born from a need to find a form of expression that could say who I am and what I think. Of course this happens with an unconventional language and certainly not easily decipherable. AND a path that is renewed every time the brush or palette knife touches the canvas and that leads me to an unknown destination. I will continue like this until I manage to evade the search for the result.
Starting in October, his works will be exhibited at Villa Principe Leopoldo. What are the novelties and the main reasons of interest of this exhibition?
«I thank the Villa Principe Leopoldo for having wanted this exhibition that is certainly unconventional and detached from the context of the villa. The paintings, different in their kind, however, are recognized in the desire to arouse curiosity and freedom of interpretation in the visitor. Some questions are also asked to the observer with the imperative 'you decide' present in many canvases. It's up to the guest to decide what».
His is a life full of many interests. Can you define a satisfied man and what is his idea of happiness?
“I'm happy sometimes and also sad as it happens. Every day we have moments of happiness, much from the simplest and most obvious things. For me it is important to recognize these moments and to be thankful for having them».
