Vanessa Rumaz Aka Mercante

I’m from Italy, born and raised in the art-rich region of Veneto. My family has a strong artistic background, making it challenging to escape my destiny. As a kid, I tried to rebel against the creative path by closely observing the gas station owner across the street and dreaming of owning my very own (and very fancy) gas station. Eventually, I realized my calling wasn’t in the arts but in the fuel trade.

After a few unsuccessful attempts to run away from home and some mischievous incidents involving securing the family jewelry in an undisclosed location, I decided, at the age of three, to paint our kitchen walls in a Kandinsky pre-war style.

The move tested my mother’s patience and shaped my aesthetic sense, saving me from a life surrounded by gasoline fumes. Instead, I chose a path where inspiration and art would be my fuel. It was also then that I realized the power of storytelling—which, on that occasion, was paramount to get me out of trouble. I understood that good stories are worth telling, but great stories are worth repeating, and I would try to accomplish the last without words.

What followed was a passion for connecting dots that others often miss. My inspiration comes from deep within, allowing emotions to flow wit...

Liceo Artistico Statale di Venezia
Accademia delle belle arti di Venezia