Akelo

Andrea Cagnetti, known professionally as Akelo, is an Italian goldsmith, designer and sculptor, internationally known for his extremely interconnected creative path supported by studies and research in various fields.

He was born in 1967 in Corchiano (Viterbo), a village built on the ruins of the legendary Etruscan city of Fescennia. Not only his birthplace, but also his upbringing led him to fulfil his destiny: to become an artist and master goldsmith. As a teenager, he concentrated on the techniques used in ancient times relating to metallurgy, ceramics, medicine and the working of stone,
glass and textiles. After graduating from high school, he moved to Rome, where he worked as a graphic designer in advertising for a few years. Then he decided to leave the frenetic lifestyle of the big city and return to his home town, where he devoted himself exclusively to his vocation, adopting the professional name Akelo (from Achelous, the Greek god of water). It is a vocation that is not built on the desire for celebrity, glamour, travel and hectic schedules, as is often the case. Rather, it was cultivated in a monastic retreat, in the silence and peace of the Etruscan land. Just like a true Renaissance Man who wanted to isolate himself in his tiny "workshop" where he can be and feel true to himself. Today, his works draw inspiration from a body of different

studies, ranging from ancient or alchemical knowledge, to contemporary scientific investigations, and honour everything from classicism to the most daring abstraction. Akelo’s works are very different one from another, demonstrating an eclecticism and visionary spirit which are rare on the contemporary art scene. Instead they are infused with a single aim: Beauty and Harmony. The artist’s work has been exhibited in several national and international exhibitions in recent years, some have been acquired by important museums and private collections. He has received numerous awards
from critics, scholars and the media in many countries, as well as being the subject of countless publications, reviews and television appearances. These underline not only the artist's talent and stylistic originality, but also the value of his research, which has been included in the studies of many art institutes.