Melissa Debernardi, also known by her creative moniker What If (whatif.now), is an artist whose work is defined by curiosity, exploration, and an unyielding pursuit of innovation. The name "What If" is not just an alias but a reflection of the constant question that has guided her creative journey: What happens if? This inquiry has fuelled her deep dive into the realms of photography, AI, and artistic expression, pushing her to experiment and reimagine what art can be in the 21st century.
With a formal background in photography and screenwriting, Melissa’s multidisciplinary approach plays an integral role in her work, blending the visual narrative of photography with the conceptual possibilities offered by AI. Her creative process is rooted in a continuous quest for aesthetic and conceptual innovation, often drawing from the rich influences of romanticism and surrealism. She delves into the unexpected and the unexplored, finding beauty in both the familiar and the strange.
Her art is not just a reflection of technical skill but also of a playful and imaginative spirit. Melissa’s enduring sense of childlike wonder and fascination with the surreal has shaped her work since her days in art school. Eyes, an enduring motif in her creations, serve as a portal for exploring her deepest thoughts and emotions—revealing a personal obsession that challenges perceptions and invites viewers to see the world through a different lens.
In recent years, Melissa has embraced AI as an essential tool in her creative process. This fusion of traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology allows her to craft images that evoke both deep emotion and a sense of wonder. Through this ever-evolving exploration, Melissa continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in art, creating works that inspire and captivate. As she moves forward, the question What happens if? remains the compass guiding her toward new, uncharted territories of artistic expression.
Artist: whatif.now
