SIMONA COLTELLO

Graphic Design • Photography • Web Developer • Art Direction • Space Curation • Editorial Design
Simona Coltello (1998, She/They) is a curator and creative director of Pessima, "Trans Art* Magazine & Non Profit Association" dedicated to explore and represent Trans* identities. Her research is deeply influenced by online aesthetics, often blending Post-Internet and Post-Human elements.

About

Her works predominantly depict Trans identities* in metaphorical terms, frequently portraying dysmorphia, biomechanics, and monstrosity as empowering traits of an evolving body. She has curated 20+ exhibitions and events since 2020, most recently producing 4K: Touching Grass in Ultra HD, a collective exhibit that reflected on artificial means of utopian life. Digital Art, Early AI and 3D sculpture were the main focuses to explore dystopian imaginaries and the promethean corruption of the artists' depiction of beauty, featuring international artists such as Eva & Franco Mattes, Alfred Francis Pietroni, Jenia Filatova and many more.

Artists' Collaborations

Gena Marvin (Russia), Salvia (UK), Alfred Francis Pietroni (UK), Eva & Franco Mattes (ITA), Aun Helden (Brazil), El Hogg (UK), Mel4ever (USA), Ivy Chilelli (Italy), Opia (UK), Vampy (USA), Bones Tan Jones (UK), Anthromorph (Greece)

Brands & Institutions

HGLF, Iuter, Octopus, Marcelo Burlon, For Them, Autostraddle, BASE Milano, NABA, Manifattura Tabacchi, Magliano, Rocket Milano, PWC, Radio Raheem, Specific, Archivo De La Memoria Trans

Curation

4K: Touching Grass in Ultra HD

4K: Touching Grass in Ultra HD

Curator • 2025

A collective exhibition reflecting on artificial means of utopian life. Digital Art, Early AI and 3D sculpture explored dystopian imaginaries. Featured artists: Eva & Franco Mattes, Alfred Francis Pietroni, Jenia Filatova, Lars Larkin, Nelson Gutjahr, and more. BiM Milano, March-April 2025.

Opia by Opia

Opia by Opia

Curator • 2024

Solo exhibition by artist Opia exploring themes of identity and transformation through performance and installation. BiM Milano, October 2024.

Damn Sweet XL House

Damn Sweet XL House

Curator & Producer • 2024

Group show and performances exploring digital culture and sweet aesthetics. Curated with Y1cong_o0. BiM Milano, September 2024.

Apokalypsis Eschaton

Apokalypsis Eschaton

Curator • 2024

Solo exhibition by Lux Aeterna exploring apocalyptic themes and transformation. Co-curated with Marte Gastaldello. Fondoluogo, February 2024.

Devonian Mater

Devonian Mater

Curator • 2023

Solo exhibition by Ivy Chilelli exploring biomechanics and the evolving body through sculpture and installation. BiM Milano, December 2023.

Pessima x Anthromorph

Pessima x Anthromorph

Curator • 2022

Collaborative exhibition featuring the work of Greek artist Anthromorph. SpazioSerra, September 2022.

Graphic Design

Pessima Magazine

Pessima Magazine

Creative Director & Chief Editor • 2020-Present

Trans Art* Magazine & Non Profit Association. Annual publication exploring Trans* identities. 300 pages, 8 editorials, 50+ artists per volume. Sewn binding, A4 format. Featured: Jenna Marvin, 2 dual, Opia, Lux Aeterna, E.R. Fightmaster, Vampy.

Autostraddle Magazine

Autostraddle Magazine

Art Direction & Graphic Design

Editorial design and art direction for features exploring LGBTQ+ culture, identity, and contemporary issues for the independent queer publication.

Exhibition Posters

Exhibition Graphics

Graphic Designer

Visual identity and promotional materials for 20+ exhibitions and events including 4K, Pessima releases, Euphoria, and various artist showcases. 2020-Present.

Logo Design

Brand Identity

Logo Designer

Logo and brand identity design for Pessima, Sperm Studios, 4K, Marciona, GIU, and various cultural projects.

Art Direction

HGLF

HG / LF

Creative Direction

A home base of dissent—an agglomerate where atelier and community converge. Creating wearable armor-forms of protection designed to safeguard vulnerable areas from oppressive social order. Project curated by Simona Coltello.

Brand Collaborations

Brand Collaborations

Art Direction

Creative direction for brands including HGLF, Iuter, Octopus, Marcelo Burlon, For Them, Magliano, and cultural institutions like BASE Milano, NABA, Manifattura Tabacchi.

Photography

Editorial Photography

Editorial Photoshoots

Art Director & Producer

Art direction and production for editorial photoshoots exploring themes of transformation, identity, and post-human aesthetics. Featured in Pessima Magazine and various publications.

Artist Documentation

Artist Documentation

Photographer & Art Director

Documentation and portrait photography for artists including Gena Marvin, Salvia, Alfred Francis Pietroni, Opia, Vampy, Bones Tan Jones, and more.

Exhibition Photography

Exhibition Photography

Photographer

Documentation of exhibitions and events including installation views, performances, and opening receptions for BiM Milano, BASE Milano, and independent spaces.

Get in Touch

simonacoltello@gmail.com Instagram