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Oh Canada!
La Malbaie, 60x60, 2018, acrylic on canvas
The more I travel, the more I come back to Canada. In gratitude. More than ever, I feel the need to thank my parents, and my grandparents before them, for the sacrifices they made. A glimpse into the art and culture found here, whether First Nations, or Founding Nations reveals the deepest influences in my art. My Italianita is only a part of who I am as a painter. The rest is comprised of undeniable influences of the works of the artists who have surrounded me since childhood. Groundbreakers, giants, courageous and bold- even in their portrayal of serene quietude which can only be found in this land. From The Group of Seven, to Les Automatistes, to Morrisseau- to the Magic Realism of Colville and Pratt, and finally to Michael Snow, Weiland and Shadbolt- they have all crossed my path. There are too many to mention.
In Baie St. Paul, where painting is a religion, the streets are packed with tourists on a warm, sunny July afternoon. So too are the many little galleries. In La Malbaie, the centrally-located "commercial" gallery is packed with visitors. The proprietor/curator is charming, professional and certainly knows her stuff. I turn to the paintings and realise that these are not just Quebec artists. Reps have been coming here for years without so much as being able to place a single piece from an artist outside of Quebec. Something has changed. This gallery represents the new rule, and not the exception. The positive energy in the space is palpable. The spirit of Canadiana is in full-force here. All you have to do is look at the art. Every living Canadian artist owes a debt of gratitude to those whose works now fill our public galleries and spaces. There is a strong legacy here, as famous collectors like Steve Martin have attested to.
Our use of texture, our colour, or perception of space (as vast as the land), our light- unmistakeable. I see it in the work of my contemporaries. I see it in my work.
La Malbaie, 60x60, 2018, acrylic on canvas
Bull Run
Is this the longest run? Are the markets real? Is the big bad bear around the corner? The relentless pursuit of money is symbolized by the powerfully beautiful bull. Renowned for its strength, it sometimes is very vulnerable as witnessed by many a matador. Those who lose respect for the Bull however, are oftentimes surprised by being gored just before they raise their sword in ghoulish pride in a moment of perceived glory. If you're off running with the bulls figuratively or literally, please be careful!
They make a fine mess, don't they?
Bull Run, 2018, 40x60 acrylic on canvas, by request
Cordoba
I have the peculiar habit of allowing my kids to "borrow" my paintings. The pieces are safely kept on the walls of their lovely abodes, and no doubt they have become the focus of many a conversation. Some of their favorite "masterpieces" have acquired, I'm told; "squatter's rights" simply by being in place for so long. So good luck, Mr. Adamo in retrieving them any time soon. After all, "Pa"and Nonno now, there's no room in your studio! Our daughter and our son have been constantly surrounded by art, and have a deep-rooted appreciation for it even though their careers are not entirely art-related. ( Their spouses have ingested the "art bug" by default, it seems). They have become, I must say, respected, upstanding members of society and very proficient at what they have chosen to do. I told them they could still rebel if they want to EVEN IN THEIR LATE TWENTIES! Not in the cards. Thank God for their mother.
Sitting in the family room of my son's home, I stare at Cordoba, a painting which was completed during a period of time when our children came of age, so to speak. I painted it at the request of the late Harvey Kaleff, a wonderful man who ran a company called Brushstrokes which held a patent on a process for textured reproductions of paintings. The only specific request was that it be an abstract piece which would "blow their socks off ". My guess was that he wanted it to resonate. It did. To the tune of well over 300,000 pieces worldwide. The stuff of retail lore.
As I stare at the original Cordoba, I am taken by the power of art, and how it can transport us in time. I am humbled by the thought of just how much it has meant to our family, and how rare a privilege it is to continue to pursue it. I am grateful for all of the collectors and supporters of my work who have made the journey possible. My obligation is to my art, and as such, to you, my audience. It has come to my attention that people are "waiting" to see what "Adamo" does next.
You see, I too am awaiting to see what Adamo does next! ADAMO is my 9 month old grandson (Adamo Rocco Russo, b. Sept 25, 2017). Look for his influence to be in all of my future work. It's gonna be amazing!!!!
I'm Still Standin'
It is a celebratory atmosphere that hovers over the Big Smoke this week. It will end with a bang over the weekend with a huge parade. A parade that celebrates the diversity that is found in humanity. An inclusive rather than divisive affair, it shouts out "be yourself" to anyone who'll listen. Barriers are slowly breaking down. Acceptance is the key to survival for our species, in my opinion. We are not going to get off this spec of dirt in the cosmos without reigning in our bitter disputes first. The pioneers in these movements are often forgotten in the long run, but some of them, because of their sheer talent and courage persist. Some of them, after the long battle, can actually proclaim that they are still standing...….."I'm Still Standin' ", 56x46 mixed media on panel, available through Hazelton Gallery, Yorkville
Palisades
Palisades 48" x 40" Acrylic on canvas
Last night I took a walk after dark
A swingin' place called Palisades Park
To have some fun and see what I could see
That's where the girls are
I took a ride on a shoot the chute
That girl I sat beside was awful cute
And after while she was holdin' hands with me
My heart was flyin' up like a rocket ship
Down like a roller coaster
Back like a loop the loop
And around like a merry go round
We ate and ate at a hot dog stand
We danced around to a rockin' band
And when I could, I gave that girl a hug
In the tunnel of love
You'll never know how great a kiss can feel
When you stop at the top of a ferris wheel
When I fell in love down at Palisades Park
We ate and ate at a hot dog stand
We danced around to a rockin' band
And when I could, I gave that girl a hug
In the tunnel of love
You'll never know how great a kiss can feel
When you stop at the top of a ferris wheel
When I fell in love down at Palisades Park
Down at Palisades Park
You know it's Palisades Park
Down at Palisades Park
Ahhh here comes the Summer-enjoy!
New works
We are happy to present two new Giardini's by Pietro Adamo for the start of the summer. Full Bloom Dream 40"x 60", and Sweet Meadow Dream 36" x 72". Both pieces are currently available. Contact Erica for more details.
-Pietro Adamo Gallery
Full Bloom Dream 40" x 60" Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Sweet Meadow Dream 36" x 72" Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Art Miami New York
We are pleased to announce that Pietro Adamo's work will be represented at the Art New York(Pier94) show by Hazelton Galleries. Here's a preview of some the works.
The Lost Blond 46" x 56" Acrylic on wood panel
Sir Mick 46" x 56" Acrylic on wood panel
The Getaway 48" x 40" Acrylic on Wood panel
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
We are proud to announce that Pietro Adamo's work will be shown by Progressive fine art at this years' Art Expo New york. For more details Contact Erica Adamo.
-Pietro Adamo Gallery
New Abstracts
We are proud to present two new large abstract pieces from Pietro Adamo.
"Ma Belle Amie"
60" x 60" Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
"Grande Epoque"
60" x 84" Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Both pieces are currently available.For more information contact Erica Adamo.
-Pietro Adamo Gallery