Artist Edition: Mattia Biagi

Mattia Biagi’s work is a meditation on transformation—both material and symbolic. A longtime friend of Madre Mezcal, his artistic practice explores memory, reinvention, and the alchemy of raw materials like tar, bronze, and marble. We recently sat down with Biagi and reflected on his creative process, the fluid dialogue between art and design, and the inspiration behind his Artist Edition Madre Flasks.

YOU’VE COLLABORATED WITH MULTIPLE DESIGNERS AND BRANDS. HOW DOES WORKING IN THE DESIGN WORLD DIFFER FROM YOUR FINE ART PRACTICE?

Design collaborations introduce a different kind of dialogue—there are functional and commercial considerations that fine art doesn’t always require. However, I approach both with the same curiosity and desire to push boundaries. When working with brands, I enjoy the challenge of merging my artistic vision with their identity, creating something unique that still carries my signature.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THE DECORATED MADRE MEZCAL FLASKS?

The project was born out of a desire to merge art with a Madre Mezcal (a personal favorite one) I wanted to create something that honors Madre creative vision while also making a statement about transformation and preservation. The flasks themselves became sculptural objects, meant to be cherished rather than discarded. A limited number of 10 were created.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING ARTISTS LOOKING TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN VISUAL LANGUAGE?

Trust your instincts, but also challenge yourself constantly. Your visual language comes from persistence—through experimentation, failure, and discovery. Be curious, stay open to new influences, and don’t be afraid to redefine your practice as you evolve.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE PLAYLIST YOU CREATED FOR MADRE?

[This playlist] pays homage to the great Italian singer-songwriters and poets who have shaped my artistic and cultural sensibility. Someone like Lucio Dalla comes to mind his music carries a deep sense of nostalgia, storytelling, and transformation, themes that resonate strongly with my work. His ability to blend poetry with melody is something truly special. Alongside Dalla, [there are] other iconic Italian voices like Franco Battiato, Fabrizio De André, and Paolo Conte,artists whose music is rich with emotion, introspection, and a deep connection to history and place. Their songs, much like mezcal, have a timeless and immersive quality.

IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEZCAL WITH ANYONE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I would love to share a mezcal with Picasso ! His approach to sculpture—his ability to image forms in their essence—has been a major influence on my work. I imagine a conversation with him would be both poetic and thought-provoking, much like his art.

Follow Mattia on Instagram and visit his website.

YOUR WORK OFTEN INVOLVES MATERIAL EXPERIMENTATION, PARTICULARLY WITH BRONZE, WOOD, MARBLE, TAR, AND MULTI-MEDIA COLLAGES. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH MEDIUM BEST SUITS A PARTICULAR IDEA?

Material is a crucial part of my storytelling. Each medium carries its own weight—both physically and conceptually. Tar, for example, speaks to themes of preservation and decay, while marble and bronze bring a sense of permanence and history. The choice of material is instinctive; it depends on the emotion I want to evoke and the dialogue I want to create between the piece and the viewer.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS OR SPECIFIC PROCESSES THAT GUIDE YOUR CREATIVE FLOW?

I don’t follow strict rituals, but I do believe in immersing myself in research, whether it’s through travel, books, or simply observing everyday life. My studio is a place of constant evolution, where sketches, prototypes, and unexpected discoveries shape the final work. I also like to experiment with unconventional materials to push the boundaries of my practice.