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Parting thoughts -2024
This year, as well as last year ended with solo exhibitions. Waterloo (Double T) in 2023 and Newmarket (Select Art Galleries) 2024. What a great way to cap off the year! Meeting with collectors and being able to share thoughts on art. How stimulating. How privileged. Impassioned discussions about many different viewpoints. Agreeing to disagree through smiles and nods of understanding without a sliver of hostility. Even if the piece that was discussed revealed a political point of view. HOW REFRESHING! I am constantly surprised by the breadth and diversity of collectors who follow my career. It never ceases to amaze me. They come from all walks of life and practically every corner of the globe. The common thread is their love of art. It seems poignant that “My Canadiana”, 60x84 acrylic on canvas received much attention this year at Select in Newmarket.. In light of recent comments suggesting that Canada become the 51st state- well, let’s take a step back to explain why “that’s not gonna’ happen”! In My Canadiana, the mighty Jack Pine bends but never breaks. It is the ultimate expression of the Canadian character. THE TRUE. THE NORTH. THE STRONG. THE FREE. Manifest destiny is but a pipe dream.
I would highly recommend a visit to an art gallery over the holidays. Bring the kids. Canadian art is unique and is not just limited to the Group of Seven, although they powerfully described the vastness and majesty of Canada to the rest of the world. Canadian art is about the strength and resolve found in the diversity of its people from coast to coast to coast. Unique on the planet. Discovered by celebrities and renowned art collectors alike- all around “le monde” . From the haunting images of the Maritime magic realists to the bold abstracts of Les Automatistes and Painters Eleven to the sculptures by the late Michael Snow and First Nations sculptors like Abraham Ruben- art this bold is not born of an inferiority complex. Names as diverse as Shadbolt, Morrisseau, Weiland, Ewen, Carr, Colville, Riopelle, and Molinari to list a few encompass the rich tapestry of artists that collectively express “Canadiana” to the rest of the world. As artists, we are able to create and freely express in the manner that we do precisely because we are from sovereign CANADA.
As this year comes to a close, may I wish all of you a healthy, prosperous and happy 2025.
I cherish your support,
Warmest Regards,
-Adamo
Inspiration
I continue to enjoy the process after so many years of painting. It never gets old, and does not allow me to slow down. In fact, the urgency that accompanies the creative mind would be referred to as positive stress. The excitement of discovery is not exclusive to youth. New revelations continue to escort the artist through the journey as to ensure that youthful exuberance is never lost. It is necessary as it ignites the muse resulting in a feverish creative high. Sometimes, the resulting imagery is successful and resonates immediately. Sometimes, one just has to “kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight”. Then all at once it becomes crystal clear : there is no absolute resolution. Many great pieces of art ask more questions and give few answers.
The difficult part for those of us fortunate enough to engage in the creative arts is maintaining a dialogue with the inner child. As sophisticated as one’s latest piece might be, it would pale in comparison to one’s first kindergarten finger paintings. The unbridled joy of innocence is hard to find again once lost. But it is a challenge worth pursuing.
Gimme’ back my CRAYONS!
Giardini Dei Sogni
“It might be the first thing that strikes many people about Giardini- that these pieces refer to a garden and pond as the Impressionists might have intended. Impressionism is rooted in observation whereas Giardini are pure imagination. The light in Giardini can come from all directions, sometimes simultaneously. The paint can be applied in any number of ways- never adhering to a formula. Giardini are born of dreams rather than documentation. They are Expressionism more than they are Impressionism. A closer examination will reveal a deeply abstract nature to these pieces with more kinship to Pollock and Riopelle than Monet and Pisarro.
They do, however, leave a lasting impression.”
-Pietro
Elmo Nights
Adamo’s latest figurative masterwork, “ Elmo Nights”, a luxurious 60” x 48” acrylic and mixed media on canvas.
Sinfona floral
The grand staircase with its elaborate , dancing design floats in the centre of this stylish entrance. The challenge was to bring uplifting colour and drama without diminishing its grandeur. The resulting curved canvas hugs the upper wall. It gently coaxes the eyes upward past the exquisite chandelier as if it were a gentle exclamation point. The splash of colour is just enough to help illuminate the space. Just enough to sooth at the end of a day. Just enough to greet the morning with joy. Just enough to remind one of the beauty of life.
Always.
Many thanks to such a wonderful family.
Pietro
"Corrente Miami"
Adamo’s largescale masterwork, “ Corrente Miami”, a stunning 72” x 72” acrylic on canvas.
Check out more of his latest works on instagram @ pietroadamogallery
-JC( Curator)
The Soundtrack of My Life
Some pieces grace spectacular walls, others may lean above a mantle. Some pieces have been commissioned with no particular direction or colour preference. Some commissions, such as The Soundtrack of My Life , are very specific, with constant communication between client and artist during the process. Styles, periods, nuances, colours, individuals, composition- everything was taken into consideration.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second spent working on it.
The client’s reaction was priceless. Her late father, a fine artist in his own right, might have approved.
Incidentally, this night, the 60 x90 canvas hangs by wire from a tall ceiling against a large window overlooking the lake.
Under The Milky Way Tonight.
Many thanks,
Pietro
"Bull Run"
The iconic Wallstreet Bull, and incredibly polarizing image in today’s society has been a subject of several Adamo masterworks. Brought to life by vibrant flowing strokes, the bronze patina is shed to reveal bright reds, pinks and cool blues. The bull, rearing to charge at the viewer, boils with a passionate glow in it’s eyes, or perhaps it is the reflection of a crimson cape undulating before him.
-JC(curator)