From migration to high fashion, the multi-layered work of artist Pietro Ruffo

From Julius Caesar’s tyrannical rule to the sophisticated flourishes of the Renaissance, Rome has spawned legends, inventions and world-famous artists. It’s this rich history that inspires contemporary Italian artist Pietro Ruffo.

The Rome-based creator feeds off the city’s ancient and modern culture, using the past to explore the social issues of today through intricate drawings, watercolors and digital works.

“Rome is a very layered city, every century born on [the] century before, giving it its own life,” Ruffo told CNN Style.

“In the same corner you can have incredible beauty and ugliness, and this contrast gives you the energy to create.”

Like the city itself, Ruffo forms his work in layers, often using maps from the great Italian explorers of the 19th century as a base for cutting, painting and drawing.

Having intensely studied historic documents, he now poses searching questions about modern issues, particularly concerning immigration and freedom, through his art.

“What I am thinking about in this period is how all these people now are coming into Europe to ask [for] a new sort of freedom, from war, from economic problems.

Pietro Ruffo

"The Colors of Cultural Map", 2015 is conceived as a large atlas of the countries of the world and the differences that unite and divide them.

Pietro Ruffo

In "Atlante del Popoli" (Atlas of Peoples), 2015, large hand-carved dragonflies superimposed over a map of the world represent the idea of freedom.

Pietro Ruffo

"De Hortus 2", 2013. Ink, watercolors and cut outs on paper laid on canvas. Layers are a big part of Ruffio's work: "Rome is a very layered city. All these layers one on top of the other one when you see something, you always see different histories."

PAOLA PANSINI/Pietro Ruffo

"De Hortus", close up. Ruffo trained as an architect in Italy before beginning work as an artist.

Pietro Ruffo

"De Hortus 3", 2013. Ink, watercolors and cut outs on paper laid on canvas.

Pietro Ruffo

Ruffo's work has touched the fashion world too -- in 2015 he designed a giant catwalk for Valentino in the historic Piazza di Spagna.

Pietro Ruffo

His design was a modern interpretation of the Roman Forum, while the show's collection was inspired by Ancient Rome.

Pietro Ruffo

"Fashion brands are now the new patrons for contemporary art," said Ruffo.

“What we have to understand as a European nation is that when these people are arriving through the Mediterranean seas, they are offering us a new future, and this will be very important for our freedom too.”

But not all of his work is politically driven.

For Valentino’s Autumn-Winter 2015 couture show, the artist designed a giant 300-square-meter catwalk in the Piazza Mignanelli, a modern interpretation of the Roman Forum in front of the brand’s atelier.

The collection was inspired by Ancient Rome, featuring flowing black gowns, gladiator-style skirts, togas and capes.

“Fashion brands are now the new patrons for contemporary art,” Ruffo said.

This interview is taken from episode three of CNN Style TV, online now.