In our interview below, WNW Member Emiliano Ponzi perfectly sums up the brief and his creative approach for his latest project creating Italy's first underground art gallery at a subway stop in Milan. "They needed strong scenes. We decided on a series of shots able to depict the variety of people who come and go in that specific neighboorhood, which is a combination between skyscrapers, fancy apartments and the traditional 'old Milano' populated by folks who have lived there for generations. I walked around, felt the atmosphere and tried to represent these two different souls, making them living in harmony." We talk to Emiliano about some of the challenges and breakthroughs that came with this endeavor, how Milan's creative scene has evolved, and what it means to him to be responsible for Italy's first underground art gallery. We also asked who his influences were on this time-consuming endeavor, and what his ultimate hope is in hindsight. "It took 2 years between the first call with the agency to the finished job with many other projects in the meantime, so I think I didn’t have a clear influence. I just know I wanted to depict a dynamic city where everyone could find a mirror and feel represented."

THE JOURNEY OF THE PENGUIN: BOOK LAUNCH & SIGNING

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Penguin Books, WNW Member and Milano-based artist #5032 Emiliano Ponzi wrote and illustrated The Journey of the Penguin, released October 27th. The book tells the story of a lonely Antarctic penguin, dreaming of adventure, who sets off on a long swim north. Arriving at last in London in 1935, he encounters the chance of a lifetime: auditions are on to find the face of a brand new publishing house.

On November 18th, there will be a book launch and signing at the Society of Illustrators in New York. Emiliano, Paul Buckley (Penguin Books creative director) and Chris Russell (Penguin Books editor) will present The Journey of the Penguin for the first time together.

You can purchase tickets to the event here.

Follow Emiliano on WNW