15 Questions with... Fin Simonetti

This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unifies those responsible for the art we love.

Fin Simonetti is a Canadian artist and musician based in New York. Working across sculpture and stained glass, her practice explores the tension between protection and vulnerability, examining how systems of control intersect with our desire for security. Drawing on imagery that evokes visceral fear, Simonetti’s use of stained glass also references its history within Italian immigrant communities in Canada, including her own family.

Recent solo exhibitions include Hardening at Matthew Brown, Los Angeles (2023); Our Denomination at Cooper Cole, Toronto (2022); and An Appeal to Heaven at Esker Foundation, Calgary (2021). Her work has also featured in group exhibitions at venues including Matthew Brown, Morán Morán, Francesca Minini, MoMA PS1, and Company Gallery. 

Last month, she opened a solo exhibition at Albion Jeune in London, entitled I'm Already an Actor, comprising new stone sculpture and a first display of paintings. The show remains on view at the gallery through August 1.

1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?

I remember seeing a poster of Paul Klee’s Senecio. I would also argue that Fantasia is a work of art.

2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?

Recent sketchbooks and my notes app.

3. Who is your favourite artist?

Right now, I love the Assyrian lion hunt reliefs, which I saw for the first time at The British Museum.

4. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?

Self-censoring.

‍5. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?

I love the Museum of Anthropology in my hometown, Vancouver.

6. What is the worst thing about the art world?

Everything summarised by Josh Klein's article about New York.

‍7. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?

My partner, Michael Assiff.

8. What art trend makes you roll your eyes

Red chip art.

‍9. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?

I have Clarissa Connelly’s discography on repeat in the studio, and my current gym playlist is mostly Absu and Agriculture. 

10. What's your favourite colour and why?

Right now, I really like pale dull lavender.

‍11. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?

My journals, sketchbooks and my small art collection. We have a Kat Lyon painting of a big red fly on a papaya that I cherish.

12. Is there an artistic skill you wish you were better at?

I wish I knew how to colour correct video. 

13. What can you tell us about your show, I'm Already an Actor, that's currently on view at Albion Jeune?

This is my first painting show. I started painting after an injury prevented me from making sculptures for a stretch of time, so I started making paintings of the sculptures I couldn’t make.

14. Which piece or element of the show took the longest to perfect, and why?

The tall red candle took the longest. Polishing the black marble flame to a glass finish was an extremely slow process. 

15. What impression do you hope people get after seeing your show?

It’s hard to answer this question because I actually wasn’t thinking about the audience this time. I made these paintings for myself with no expectation of showing them.

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