Artists 2025
Who We Are
Annika Dzerve
Artist
Annika Dzerve was born in Riga, Latvia. She holds a Master's degree in Textile Art. During her Erasmus studies and a subsequent painting internship in Lecce, in the region of Puglia, she fell in love with the sun, the mild climate, the open-hearted people, and the vibrant culture of the Salento. After the cold atmosphere of Latvia, southern Italy felt like home. She eventually married and settled in Puglia, in the town of Oria, where she continues to evolve as an artist. Annika now lives in the countryside with her two children. Her paintings are expressive and emotional, capturing not just what she sees, but what she feels. She paints with unconventional materials like wine and coffee, creating synthetic landscapes infused with the golden light of Puglia. Her work often features prickly pears and figurative portraits of women — soulful reflections of emotion, identity, and inner experience.
Ilona Gentilcore
Artist
I was born in Minsk, where at an early age my artistic journey has began.
In 1992 I moved to the UK and my passion for painting continued.
In 2018 I have moved to the beautiful town of Ostuni. Here, inspiration is everywhere which shows within the work produced so far.
I had an opportunity to exhibit my art in the Margutta Gallery in Rome, also in Pizza and Polignano-a-Mare. Recently my art was featured in the UK TV show “The New Life in the Sun” .

Stefania Potí
Artist
My journey into art began in middle school, where I first explored an artistic path. During high school and university, I expanded my interests in painting—my first artistic love—alongside sculpture, photography, and video art. These passions led me to exhibit in various painting and sculpture shows.
From the beginning, I’ve been drawn to exploring the unconscious, inspired by Surrealism, while also fascinated by the vibrant spirituality of abstract art, particularly Rothko. I admire the conceptual approaches of Klein and Fontana, and remain captivated by the evocative charm of the Impressionists, especially Monet.
A key experience was a one-month internship in a sculpture workshop in Carrara, where I immersed myself in marble carving.
My creations reflect my inner world, giving form to dreamlike scenarios. Guided by imagination, I let color and shape emerge freely, beyond initial concepts. Art, for me, is a process that liberates the soul. I primarily work with acrylics, which let me capture ideas immediately.
Gabriela Baumann
Artist/Sculpture
To Italy, for the Love of Art
When she and her partner bought their house in Francavilla Fontana in 2000, it was clear from the start that she wanted to focus on sculpture.
In 2003, she moved to Italy. The beginning was tough—everything was missing. Sculpture had to wait. But painting and drawing were possible.
In 2009, she won second place in sculpture at the International Art Festival in Martina Franca. The following year, she received first prize for a pastel portrait on canvas of an old fisherman at the same festival.
From then on, her artistic journey picked up speed, with exhibitions in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.
Recurring themes in her work include family, partnership, and friendship. She enjoys working abstractly, often using concrete or Lecce stone. Another key theme is the exploration of women: their strength, their presence, and their right to live their lives fully.
As mentioned, concrete is one of her favorite materials, whether shaped freely with wire and iron or used for casting figures. Lecce stone, with its fine texture, also inspires her imagination, leading to delicate reliefs and modern sculptures.
