Today we’d like to introduce you to Enrico Bettin.
Hi Enrico, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
CitiesofPaper was born in Venice, Italy, from an idea by Enrico in 2020, in a year that profoundly changed the way we live and interact with the world. In a period in which borders have amplified and distances have been felt more than ever, there was a need to find a way to travel in immobility. Unable to physically explore cities and new destinations, the idea was to create an alternative: a journey made of paper or canvas, color and imagination. This is how CitiesofPaper was born.
“In the beginning, this project was a personal refuge, a response to nostalgia and the desire to escape. Through art, I began to draw the cities I had visited, mentally retracing the streets and avenues I had walked in the past. I could rediscover the atmosphere of those places, relive the memories linked to precious moments. But I didn’t stop there. Imagination took over, leading me to explore cities that I had not yet seen, but that I felt close to thanks to the stories, images and experiences shared by others. The project, initially born as a personal passion, began to grow rapidly and transformed into a real community of lovers of architecture, design, travel and art.”
Today, these artworks of art have reached 6 of the 7 continents, 30 countries and over 200 different cities. Each city is more than a geographical place: it is a personal experience, a reflection of those who love or dream of it. Over the years, I have had the privilege of creating work for people from all over the world, who have told me unique stories about their favorite cities. Each commission has become a way to connect, to explore new places through someone else’s eyes and heart.
CitiesofPaper is not just art: it is a bridge between people and places, between past and future, between dreams and reality.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to develop my project has not been an easy one. Starting out as a small business, growth is never simple—it comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. However, the path became much clearer once I found my expressive channel. Receiving the first feedback from those around me—and later from clients—was a turning point. It gave me the motivation and clarity to continue expanding the project. Seeing people connect with what I create, recognizing themselves in it, and experiencing genuine emotion through my work has been incredibly rewarding and has fueled the entire process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a trained architect, and while I have followed the academic and professional path of architecture, I have always cultivated a strong personal and artistic sensitivity. Over time, I explored different expressive channels until I found the interpretative keys that now define the artworks I create. What makes me most proud is the ability to transform my own emotions into something tangible—something that others can understand, connect with, and make their own. It is especially meaningful to see that my work resonates with people around the world, and that it is sought after and appreciated on a global scale. I take pride in having built a project with an international dimension and audience. I believe what sets me apart is the way I work: with dedication, authenticity, and a deep commitment to originality. Each piece I produce is unique, born from a personal process, not something replicated or mass-produced. This, I believe, is what truly distinguishes my work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
During my academic journey, I read and studied many books that truly opened my mind and helped me cultivate both my personal ambitions and the foundations of the project I pursue today. However, what had the most profound impact on me was the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, from diverse cultures and backgrounds. These encounters shaped my approach and exposed me to ways of seeing and interpreting the world that deeply influenced my artistic practice. The kind of art I create today is strongly connected to this global perspective—one that resonates beyond borders and cultures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.citiesofpaper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citiesofpaper
