MAPU Laboratory is a two-person project: me, Stefania Gallina, and Francesco Salvetti.
It's an artistic creation workshop that began in the summer of 2010 with our first stall. Over the years, we've experimented extensively, but there's always been a common thread: creating cheerful works that convey a sense of lightheartedness and tell a little about our world, made up of strange little animals, dreamy characters, travelers, and people who always live a bit "with their heads in the clouds."
Over time we have specialized and I dedicate myself mainly to drawing illustrations, while Francesco builds the frames and creates incredible papier-mâché characters.
We exhibit our work at craft markets and art fairs. We love the market space because it allows us to meet our customers in person and engage in personal interaction. We produce a small amount of products, so we focus our exhibitions in the summer and during the Christmas season.
On this site you can find my illustrations, while to see Francesco's works you'll have to come and visit us in person during the markets (we always publish where we're exhibiting on social media).
A few words about me
I've always drawn and built things because creating is my greatest passion and what truly gives me satisfaction. Over time, I don't know how, I got a degree in economics... and then finally, when I stopped doing what I "had to," I started studying and doing what I "wanted to": illustration, set design, digital drawing, painting, and mural art.
I love traveling and being constantly on the move. I lived in Scotland for 6/7 years, in Mexico for one year, and in Thailand for another one , and since 2018 I've been splitting my time equally between Italy and Sri Lanka.
I speak a lot and in 4 different languages, but I also love being alone and getting lost in my imaginary world.
I am neuro-divergent (specifically 2E: Gifted+ADHD with dyscalculia if you are an expert in the matter ;-) ), which to put it simply means that my head works in a rather particular way... but this, looking at my drawings, was probably already clear to you.
If you are curious and want to discover more about our world, follow us on Instagram.