dialogue
Anna Guggii | Creative Director
April 2025
5 min read
Anna Guggii, the Creative Director behind 8One, a dynamic creative agency that seamlessly blends art into everyday experiences, reveals a world where creativity and culture converge. Her journey unfolds through a tapestry of commissioned artworks and transformative experiences that echo her formative years spent exploring museums worldwide. Anna's love for art goes back years and has highlighted artists like Alejandra Moros and Alvaro Barrington, whose works resonate deeply with her appreciation for intricate details and personal narratives.
Navigating beyond fleeting trends, Anna champions a philosophy rooted in intuition and authenticity, as evidenced by her discoveries at emerging art fairs such as NADA Miami. Her passion for exploring emerging talents extends to artist residencies like Fores Projects in London further fuel her dedication to fostering a vibrant art community.
Join us on a journey guided by Anna's vision, promising a dialogue that inspires both introspection and discovery.
Hey Anna! Tell us about your creative agency, 8one, how would you describe it to those who have not heard of it yet?
“8One is a creative agency that brings all my projects under one umbrella and mainly helps you incorporate arts and culture into your daily life, products and services. Each project is handled with individuality and in return helps our collaborators grow. As of now we have commissioned artists for special projects, placed historically significant artworks in institutions, supported exhibitions, organised talks and trips to unique destinations.”
Has your relationship with art always been intuitive, or was there a specific moment or encounter that sharpened your vision?
“The more art you experience, the clearer your vision becomes. Experiencing art firsthand at museums, galleries, the artist studio or in the public space, is essential for understanding and sharpening your perspective. Personally for me, it has always been intuitive. I have been visiting exhibitions and museums with my mother since my childhood all over the world; exposing yourself to different cultures and how they see things is important as well.
In general one of my top moments was driving through secluded desert roads to James Turell’s Museum in Colome, Argentina. It was an unreal experience; they told us that the artist wants you to “suffer” before arriving at the destination; full of light and spaces it is per se: a very “simple” concept but you can make whatever you want of it. For me experiencing James Turrell’s Sky Spaces is always journey, as it is mostly located at special destinations and it gives me immense peace and tranquility once I enter the Sky Space. To sum up art is whatever you want to make of it depending on the context you are seeing it in and it has to make you feel something.”
How do you stay open to inspiration, and avoid getting caught in the noise of trends?
“My personality has always been very much like; if everyone has it, I do not want it. Of course; the masters and the classics we all love will remain but I think it is important to engage with what is happening right here and now in order to avoid getting caught in trends. I like what I like and I can tell in a matter of seconds.
I love going to emerging art fairs; there I always find something new and exciting; my recent find was Alejandra Moros at NADA in Miami. Her work drew me in instantly and that is the feeling I always look for. She works on a very small scale and after seeing it I developed a thing for very small art works. Artist Residencies are also important; I visit Fores Projects in London and there I found Alice Miller shortly after who works on an even smaller scale; which of course spoke to me instantly.
Just recently after going to Alvaro Barrington’s show at Sadie Coles HQ in London, there was a room dedicated to postcard sized type works; this new approach was beautiful and of course spoke to me instantly. The small scale artworks are right now one of my “obsessions” and I am always open to what draws me in next. My advice is listen to your intuition and follow it.”
If you could create an experience, not just an exhibition, that brings together your favourite elements of art, music, space, and people, what would it look or feel like?
“I have not thought about this but the possibilities are endless - it would be different for sure!”
Looking ahead, how do your personal aspirations align with the future vision you have for 8one, and what do you hope to establish within the art community with 8one?
“I hope to be a catalyst for more positivity, fairness and collaboration within the art world. It has become a very toxic environment due to a lot of greed and competition. I am glad that all my collaborators are aligned with me and my vision and we are all working together towards a better tomorrow where there is space for all.”
8one supports non-profits, how would you describe the current art non-proift environment in the UK at the moment?
Are you excited about the space, if so, which initiatives or well formed institutions are you excited about?
“I am always excited to see what the Serpentine brings next. Their program is so versatile, it has something for everyone; art, architecture, sustainability, film and public art. They bring London the best of all these different world’s and most importantly for free. They have a very big support system that allows them to make it accessible to all; it is truly remarkable what they do and I am so glad to be a small part of it.”
Visit 8One today.
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