Paolo Arao "Fornever"

Jeff Bailey Gallery

poster for Paolo Arao "Fornever"

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Arao’s charcoal and graphite drawings unfold in a cinematic-like narrative. Religious imagery, intimate portraits, artifacts of battle and depictions of crowds at rock concerts frame a narrative alluding to both ritualistic experiences and idolization.

In Neon Mary, the head of a statue peers downward, seemingly lit from behind with neon tubing. Simultaneously personal and impersonal, this icon could be a roadside shrine, or one of hundreds of statues of Mary that fill a shop selling religious mementos.

Light Leaves features the lead singer of a band on stage before an adoring crowd, with a spotlight almost washing him out. In The Same Deep Water, a young man stands near the ocean’s edge while a wave is about to break. These drawings suggest a before and after sequence, but the order of events is open to question.

There is a wistful and searching quality in Arao’s drawings and the varied images seem to come from a slew of personal memories or experiences. The stark contrast of velvety charcoal on white paper evokes an almost photographic effect. The drawings, taken as a whole, seem to form an album of images, capturing a time that may have passed, or is imagined to come.

Media

Schedule

from October 10, 2008 to November 08, 2008

Opening Reception on 2008-10-10 from 18:00 to 20:00

Artist(s)

Paolo Arao

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