Carlotta Schiavio, also known as YaTii Talisman, boasts a diverse heritage, born in Italy and brought up in Ethiopia. Her rich tapestry of cultures includes Italian, Russian, Syrian, Austrian, and Ethiopian influences. Embarking on a self-taught journey in the realm of artistry, Carlotta initially ventured into jewelry design before transitioning seamlessly to painting around 1998.
Transitioning to a full-time artist, Carlotta’s latest creation, “The Bugibatuki,” hails from her celestial haven, YaTii Talisman, where harmony reigns supreme. These extraordinary beings possess the remarkable ability to resolve any challenge with positivity, sans interrogation. Guided by intuition, her artistic evolution has been a voyage of experimentation with diverse techniques and mediums. In the year 2000, she birthed the imaginative realm of YaTii, later blossoming into YaTii Talisman. “Stars up close” unveiled a series of paintings capturing the vibrant skies of YaTii Talisman, while “Apotropaic Magic” manifested as shields crafted to repel negative energies.
In 2011, the inception of the portable painting, YaTii Talisman, aimed to infuse its possessor with boundless positivity, crafted on handmade cotton paper, sun-dried in Sicily, Italy. Carlotta’s unique technique initially involved sewing disparate sections together, symbolizing equilibrium. However, in 2018, she embarked on a transformative journey, opting to paint on whole surfaces, discarding the stitching metaphorically akin to shedding ill-fitting attire.
In 2019, amidst her residency in Ethiopia for the Abrehot Library initiative, she adorned discs of eucalyptus wood with symbolic eyes, embodying the omnipresent gaze of protection and vigilance. With a fervent desire to propagate peace and well-being globally, 2020 heralded the advent of the Bugibatuki, enigmatic denizens of YaTii Talisman, endowed with the extraordinary gift of harmonious conflict resolution without asking questions. Their ethereal presence, landing in water basins across the Earth, is marked by the whimsical adornment of sea creatures atop their heads. Armed with computerized mouths for interstellar communication, their intricate appellations are simplified by human inhabitants into earthly monikers, fostering harmony in their wake.
Venturing into a new creative epoch in 2023, Carlotta delves into the realm of literature, collaborating with fellow creatives to craft educational and fantastical children’s tales featuring the beloved Bugibatuki. The inaugural book is slated for publication in 2024, accompanied by a delightful range of greeting cards graced by the whimsical visages of these celestial emissaries, already adorning shelves at 1600 Spruce in Philadelphia and soon many more places.
Carlotta’s work reflects a unique blend of cultural influences and imaginative storytelling. Her painting “Bugibatuki Habibi” is a testament to her ability to blend art with profound messages. “Bugibatuki Habibi” translates to “my love” in Arabic. The piece is a mixed media on canvas, measuring 92×180 cm, created in 2024. The painting depicts a Bugibatuki landing with his spaceship off the coast of Gaza in the Mediterranean. Clad in protective goggles to shield himself from the chaos and equipped with an antenna, he symbolizes hope amid conflict. His mouth holds a computer, a tool for transmitting vital information back to the space station. The Arabic title adds cultural depth, emphasizing unity. The painting prompts reflection on peace and represents not only a beacon of hope but also a reminder of the human capacity for empathy and collective action.
Carlotta’s journey from jewelry design to painting showcases her versatility and passion for exploring new mediums. Her early work in jewelry design laid the foundation for her attention to detail and intricate craftsmanship. Transitioning to painting allowed her to express her creativity on a larger scale, experimenting with different techniques and materials.
Her artistic evolution is marked by a profound connection to her surroundings and a desire to create pieces that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. The imaginative realm of YaTii, later blossoming into YaTii Talisman, serves as a backdrop for her artistic endeavors, allowing her to explore themes of harmony, positivity, and protection.
The creation of the portable painting, YaTii Talisman, in 2011, marked a significant milestone in her career. Crafted on handmade cotton paper, sun-dried in Sicily, these paintings were designed to infuse their possessors with boundless positivity. Initially, Carlotta sewed disparate sections together, symbolizing equilibrium. However, in 2018, she began painting on whole surfaces, discarding the stitching metaphorically akin to shedding ill-fitting attire. This shift in technique reflected her growth as an artist and her commitment to exploring new ways of expressing her vision.
During her residency in Ethiopia for the Abrehot Library initiative in 2019, Carlotta adorned discs of eucalyptus wood with symbolic eyes, embodying the omnipresent gaze of protection and vigilance. This project highlighted her ability to infuse her work with cultural significance and a sense of purpose. The introduction of the Bugibatuki in 2020 further expanded her creative universe, bringing to life beings endowed with the gift of harmonious conflict resolution.
Carlotta’s collaboration with fellow creatives in 2023 to craft educational and fantastical children’s tales featuring the Bugibatuki marks a new chapter in her artistic journey. The inaugural book, slated for publication in 2024, aims to inspire young readers with stories of positivity and harmony. The accompanying range of greeting cards, already available at 1600 Spruce in Philadelphia, brings the whimsical visages of these celestial emissaries to a wider audience.
Through her diverse body of work, Carlotta Schiavio, also known as YaTii Talisman, continues to inspire and captivate with her imaginative storytelling, cultural richness, and commitment to promoting peace and well-being.
