Today we’d like to introduce you to Dario Spinelli

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I was born on July 4, 1981, in Italy, in a small town near Milan, a city where tradition and creativity often intertwine. My journey has always been about blending the physical and digital, exploring the possibilities of technology to reshape how we experience the world.
From the very start, my journey has been fueled by a fascination with technology and a love for blending the tangible with the digital. Whether it’s crafting something physical or shaping pixels into motion, I’ve always been drawn to the magic that happens when these two worlds collide.
In 2005, I took the leap and founded Bonsaininja (www.bonsaininja.com), a creative studio where I could play in the sandbox of digital graphics, animation, events, and video installations. Over the years, Bonsaininja became my laboratory for exploring how people and spaces interact with digital content, from large-scale projections and video mapping to interactive installations and, more recently, virtual and augmented reality.
Around 2009, I began collaborating with Biokip (www.biokip.com), a gallery and creative hub that thrives on innovation. Since the first edition of the Bloop Festival (www.bloop-festival.com) in Ibiza, I’ve been part of this amazing street art festival that reimagines the island in unexpected ways. That’s where I started experimenting with sculptures that shift and change, combining modern techniques like 3D printing with good old-fashioned hands-on craftsmanship.
Then, in 2022, it was time for a new chapter. I decided to leave Bonsaininja to carve out my own path and push into the international market. It was a bold move, but it felt like the right one. Now, as I take on projects around the world, I stay grounded in the thing I love most: creating experiences that bring people, places, and pixels together.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Building a company focused on creative technology in Italy wasn’t without its challenges—this is a country where tradition often overshadows innovation. But that unique tension also became an advantage. Italy’s deep roots in the performing arts provided a rich foundation to blend historical craftsmanship with cutting-edge media, especially in the field of events.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I specialize in experiential design, creating immersive experiences that, while often infused with digital content, are meant to be fully experienced in the physical world. What sets my approach apart is a relentless drive to experiment—not just with cutting-edge technologies but also with the very concept of what an experience can be. For me, the magic lies in the intersection of innovation and practicality. Since my projects always involve a tangible, hands-on component, I believe it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the tools and technologies at play. This knowledge helps me push creative boundaries while ensuring the final result is not only stunning but also achievable within the project’s constraints. It’s about crafting moments that feel groundbreaking yet grounded, balancing vision with execution.

What are your plans for the future?

Leaving the studio I founded was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was absolutely necessary to keep the creative fire burning. After nearly two decades, it was time to step back, take a sabbatical, and reflect on what truly fuels my passion for the craft. That break marked the start of a transformative process, as I began reimagining my entire approach to creative craftsmanship. I sought new experiences abroad, diving into unfamiliar contexts to find fresh inspiration.
My journey has already taken me to the UAE, where I worked on large-scale events and installations that pushed the boundaries of immersive storytelling. Now, I’m setting my sights on the USA, a country that has long been a crossroads of innovation and cultural exchange. It feels like the perfect next chapter, a place where I can further explore how to weave together people, places, and pixels on an even bigger stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lospino.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lospinoart/