By Brittany Knupper
Bruno Mascolo art represents a fascinating creative evolution. Originally, he began his career working alongside his brothers in the original and world-famous [Link to External TONI&GUY site]TONI&GUY[/Link] salon in London.
Taught by his father, he joined a family legacy of barbers. Together, Bruno and his brothers elevated the family business into a worldwide phenomenon. However, even though Mascolo didn’t pick up a paint brush until much later, he has always considered himself an artist.
The Hairdresser as Sculptor
According to Mascolo, cutting hair is just another form of art. Instead of a chisel and hammer, you use scissors as your tool. He explains: “You are still cutting and chipping away trying to bring out the beauty… Your goal is to make her into a work of art.”
Remarkably, before Mascolo picked up a paintbrush, there was an element of art in everything he did. For example, he created business plans using storyboards with images and shapes rather than traditional text. Even his line of products, Bed Head, aimed to transform hair into art.
Living in the Moment
Eventually, he found his way to painting via a circuitous route. About twenty-five years ago, he attended a seminar that taught him to “live in the moment.” In contrast, the hair industry is all about looking ahead to the next trend.
Realizing he was only using the analytical side of his brain, he decided to flex the artistic side. Consequently, he picked up a paintbrush instead of turning on the television. Immediately, he found that painting allowed him to express emotions he couldn’t access otherwise.
Inspiration and Color
Bruno Mascolo art draws inspiration from travel, people, and experiences. Although self-taught, influences from Amedeo Modigliani and [Link to External Dali Museum or Bio]Salvador Dalí[/Link] appear in his work. You can see this influence in his fluid, elastic human figures.
Interestingly, Mascolo is partially colorblind. Therefore, he is drawn to bright colors, particularly red. He describes contrasting bright colors as “two different people having a conversation.”
His process is almost collage-like. He pieces together memories and experiences, such as the color of a London sky mixed with a face met in France. This memory collage style is evident in his large, frenetic group portraits.
A Private Gallery Goes Public
Ultimately, it all comes down to what he loves in the moment. He states: “I don’t paint for anybody but me.” His mission is purely to express himself.
Originally, his goal was to turn his home into a private gallery. However, after submitting pieces to the Art Expo New York competition, he received a very positive response. Now, he asks, “Why not put it out there?”
Art is about self-expression and communication. For Mascolo, whose history in the beauty industry is legendary, his home will not be the only place to host his work for long.
