Carlotta Schiavio, also known as YaTii Talisman, is an artist with a unique background, born in Italy and raised in Ethiopia. Her cultural influences are a blend of Italian, Russian, Syrian, Austrian, and Ethiopian heritage. Starting her journey in the world of jewelry design, Carlotta transitioned into painting around 1998, embarking on a path of artistic discovery that has taken her around the globe. In January 2022, her work found a permanent home at the National Library “Abrehot” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Her artistic development has been one of constant exploration. In 2000, she created the imaginative world of YaTii, later evolving into YaTii Talisman. This realm of creativity includes celestial beings like the Bugibatuki, who bring positivity and peace without asking for anything in return. One of her most recent creations, “The Bugibatuki,” reflects this theme of harmony and problem-solving, featuring works that merge intuitive artistry with diverse techniques.
Bugibatuki “Tenshi”
Carlotta’s 2023 painting, Bugibatuki “Tenshi”, brings viewers into the realm of celestial intervention and restoration. Tenshi, meaning “angel” in Japanese, is a figure who arrives on Earth in his spaceship near Fukushima. The choice of Fukushima is significant—it’s a location forever changed by the devastating nuclear disaster in 2011. Through Tenshi, Carlotta creates a narrative of hope, where this celestial being is not just a visitor but a restorer of life. In the painting, Tenshi’s mission is to rejuvenate the fish and jellyfish populations, which had suffered greatly in the wake of the accident. This act of healing brings joy back to the people of Fukushima, allowing them to reconnect with their environment and feel a sense of restoration.
Carlotta’s use of mixed media on canvas gives this painting a layered and tactile quality, as if the work itself is alive with the energies of renewal. Measuring 120×152 cm, Bugibatuki “Tenshi” captures a moment of quiet triumph, where nature is restored, and life continues. The color palette reflects the sea and sky, with subtle nods to the vibrant life forms that are brought back through Tenshi’s intervention. The story within the painting also touches on themes of environmental healing, resilience, and the capacity for regeneration after tragedy.
Bugibatuki “Habibi”
In her 2024 work, Bugibatuki “Habibi”, Carlotta shifts her focus to a region embroiled in conflict. Landing his spaceship off the coast of Gaza, Habibi, whose name translates to “my love” in Arabic, brings a message of unity and hope amidst turmoil. The imagery is potent—Habibi wears protective goggles, symbolic of shielding himself from the chaos around him. With an antenna on his head, he appears as a figure of communication, transmitting vital information back to his space station, offering the possibility of connection even in the most fragmented of environments.
The cultural depth in this painting comes through not just in the figure of Habibi but also in the use of Arabic, emphasizing the universality of love and the power of empathy. The work asks viewers to reflect on the idea of peace as something tangible, something we can strive for even in difficult circumstances. Carlotta’s mixed media approach on this 92×180 cm canvas creates an evocative, almost tactile scene, with textures and forms that feel grounded in reality while also being undeniably otherworldly. Bugibatuki “Habibi” is a beacon of hope, illustrating the importance of collective action and the belief that even in the darkest times, there is room for connection and compassion.
Bugibatuki “Jemeela”
Bugibatuki “Jemeela”, also from 2024, introduces a new figure to Carlotta’s Bugibatuki series. Jemeela, whose name means “beautiful” in Arabic, lands on the Dahlak Archipelago in Eritrea, a setting known for its stunning marine environments and rich cultural history. Like the other Bugibatuki, Jemeela’s mission is one of peace and unity, but her journey is focused on promoting these ideals in a place where natural beauty and cultural complexity intersect.
The painting itself, measuring 92×180 cm, is a celebration of this landscape. Through her use of mixed media, Carlotta brings out the vibrancy and richness of the Dahlak Archipelago, making it feel both real and enchanted. Jemeela, as a character, symbolizes the beauty of collaboration and the potential for peace that comes from understanding and respecting the diverse environments we inhabit. The colors and forms in this piece evoke a sense of harmony, as if the very act of being in this place with Jemeela brings about a shift in perspective toward peace and unity.
Carlotta Schiavio’s Bugibatuki series is a powerful reflection of her ongoing exploration of culture, environment, and the possibility of healing through art. Each of these paintings—Tenshi, Habibi, and Jemeela—embodies a unique narrative of restoration, hope, and unity. Through her mixed media works, Carlotta continues to push the boundaries of what art can represent, creating spaces where positivity reigns and problems find resolution without conflict. Her intuitive approach to creation, combined with the rich cultural influences of her life, makes her work both deeply personal and universally resonant. The Bugibatuki are more than just figures on a canvas; they are symbols of the possibilities that arise when we come together, open ourselves to new ways of thinking, and allow creativity to lead the way toward healing and peace.
