Carlotta Schiavio, known artistically as YaTii Talisman, draws from an eclectic blend of cultural influences in her work. Hailing from Italy but growing up in Ethiopia, her diverse heritage includes Italian, Russian, Syrian, Austrian, and Ethiopian roots. She began her creative career in jewelry design, later transitioning to painting in 1998. Her artistic journey has spanned across multiple continents, culminating in a permanent exhibition at the National Library “Abrehot” in Addis Ababa in 2022.
Her work reflects continuous experimentation and growth. In 2000, she introduced the world to YaTii, a creative universe that eventually evolved into YaTii Talisman. The Bugibatuki, celestial beings from this universe, embody harmony and solve conflicts through positivity. One of her more recent collections, “The Bugibatuki,” shows her ability to incorporate a wide range of artistic techniques, driven by intuition.
Bugibatuki “Tenshi”
One of her 2023 works, Bugibatuki “Tenshi”, tells a story of environmental restoration. Set in Fukushima, Japan, a region devastated by the 2011 nuclear disaster, Tenshi—Japanese for “angel”—descends from space with a mission to rejuvenate the area’s ecosystem. His focus is on restoring the fish and jellyfish populations that were severely affected by the disaster, bringing both joy and recovery to the local community.
The 120×152 cm mixed media canvas pulses with the energy of healing and renewal. Its layered textures give the piece a dynamic, almost living quality. Muted tones of blue and green represent the sea and sky, while vibrant fish and jellyfish reintroduce life into the scene. The quiet strength of Tenshi as a figure reflects a powerful message of resilience and environmental healing, creating a sense of restoration that resonates deeply with viewers familiar with Fukushima’s history.
Bugibatuki “Habibi”
Bugibatuki “Habibi” (2024) shifts to a more conflict-driven region—Gaza. The name Habibi, meaning “my love” in Arabic, symbolizes hope and love amidst turmoil. He arrives from space, wearing protective goggles and equipped with an antenna to transmit messages back to his space station. His task is not only survival but to maintain lines of communication in an environment torn apart by conflict.
This 92×180 cm work is a visual and conceptual blend of resilience and hope. Habibi’s ability to communicate symbolizes the importance of staying connected, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Arabic title and the figure’s protective gear give the painting a raw, textured feel that mirrors the intensity of Gaza, while Habibi himself offers a symbol of love and unity in a chaotic world. Schiavio’s use of mixed media reinforces the tactile, grounded nature of this work, while still pushing viewers to think about empathy and collective action.
Bugibatuki “Jemeela”
In her 2024 painting Bugibatuki “Jemeela”, Schiavio introduces a character with a mission of peace and unity. Jemeela, which means “beautiful” in Arabic, lands in the Dahlak Archipelago, a group of islands in the Red Sea known for their rich marine life and cultural history. Her goal is to spread harmony across the archipelago, using the area’s natural beauty as a backdrop for her peaceful intervention.
The 92×180 cm canvas captures the vibrancy of the Dahlak Archipelago, seamlessly blending landscape and figure. Jemeela, representing peace, is set against a backdrop of vivid seas and skies, with marine life delicately integrated into the scene. Through this work, Schiavio explores the idea that peace is not just an ideal but something beautiful and worth striving for, requiring patience and dedication. The mixed media elements in this painting highlight the harmony between Jemeela’s mission and the serene beauty of the archipelago.
Conclusion
Carlotta Schiavio’s Bugibatuki series masterfully intertwines themes of culture, environment, and healing. Whether it’s through Tenshi’s environmental restoration, Habibi’s call for connection amidst conflict, or Jemeela’s message of unity, each painting in this series offers a unique narrative. Schiavio uses mixed media to breathe life into the celestial Bugibatuki, imbuing them with the power to inspire change and reflection. Her art serves as a reminder that creativity can be a force for healing and transformation, offering new perspectives on how we approach the challenges of life with empathy and optimism.
