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Hampton Gallery Solo Show
We are very proud to announce Pietro Adamo’s solo show at Hampton Gallery in Montreal. For more info
check out their website here hamptongallery.com
"Blissful"
The universe has a way. As it turns out, the "unlikeliest" of commissions came as a truly welcomed diversion from across the globe. As the conversation went back and forth between the collector and our curator, it became apparent we were dealing with a person with a passion for good design, art and life itself. It soon became clear that we had much in common.
I thought about our common ancestry- from a tiny spit of land called Calabria to two huge nations in Canada and Australia. The irony might be that if we broke into our ancient dialect, we might actually understand each other. Those languages have all but disappeared in Calabria, despite efforts to preserve them. Lord knows it would take some time to pick up on the Aussie accent. I'm sure he'd also have a tough time talkin' Canadian eh? But a common culture can span time and space. Art and music do the same.
And so I am toasting the completion of "Blissful" with a panino and a glass of Barbaresco. She'll soon be on her way down under to adorn the wall of a beautifully designed home for a young and happy family.
Grazie mille, e tanti saluti !
Pietro
P.S....ahhh...that was good. Topping it off with a canoli, and espresso sambuca. Salute!
"Blissful" 40x48 acrylic on canvas, 2019 by Pietro Adamo. Private Commission, Sydney, Australia
Sunshine Smile
Sunshine Smile 56” x 46” Acrylic on wood panel (Private Collection)
Icons have become somewhat of a tradition in today's art. I came to them quite by accident. In doing so, I summoned memories of having grown up in the sixties, and of having felt the "real" presence of some of these larger-than-life stars. For some people, there is always a positive, happy vibe associated with that time, and with some of those icons, despite the tragic nature of some of their fates.
For me, the Icon series has always been about the nostalgia. I recall, as a young boy, growing up in the Christie Pits area of Toronto, passing by the Gibson Broom Company on my way to Essex Street Public School. As a young kid, I was always interested in things that were drawn or painted. In those days, sign painting, and advertising by signage were prevalent, and perhaps more important as an ad medium than they are today.
In evoking the image of an icon today, does the artist then forego the notion that the Icon is the subject? Does the true subject, considering all of the interpretations in today's flooded art supermarket, now become the artist's take on the icon?
Some faces have been rendered so often, and by so many, that they have been left as soulless.
I'll admit that in depicting Marylin, I wanted to know as much about her life as possible prior to paying homage, and, as such, throwing my hat into the ring. I did my research, and I am satisfied that I have continued to treat the subject with respect.
We are borrowing the image, as artists: so that we can express what we want to say, very often with little regard for the "essence" of the icon. Their images have become a commodity.
My Icon series is centered on the signage. The fact that these pieces are made in an old-school manner, and that the imperfections are celebrated rather than polished and hidden is actually part of the subject. Those old signs, painted and re-painted, exposed to the elements were gems. I can still see them in my mind's eye. Colours seeping through, rivets, rust, running paint, layer upon layer. The passage of time recorded for the world to behold. It all depended on how you looked at it. Perhaps the passage of the years has softened everything and made it tolerable, less acidic. Ours was a truly pre-graffiti era, and so I have rendered my pieces in that spirit.
Once Upon A Time
Once Upon A Time 56” x 46” Acrylic on wood panel
When I finished painting the Once Upon A Time, the Raptors were down 2-0 to the Bucks. It looked grim, but a steadfast, even-keeled #2 told an interviewer that to be a championship team, they'd have to overcome adversity.
I was inspired to go to my studio the night of the "shot". I've never sketched and painted so quickly. To create the final image is a process, however, and so the Raps would be down by two by the time the piece was ready for showing.
Tonight, however, on this Thursday night in May, the completed piece rests in the window of Hazelton Gallery. My curators decided to "launch" it at the right moment as the Raptors have won 3 straight since then. On Saturday, #2 and his band of brothers will get a chance at Raptor history. My personal good luck charm in the form of a tribute painting, judging by the furor on Facebook and Instagram, has played a small role in all of this. In this season of finales, in this season of magical moments, the piece acquired a GOT vibe to it, but unlike the final season of the drama, the piece has not disappointed. And the Raptors, no matter what happens, have not disappointed their fans, and this city.
Monsieur LEONARD was born a Raptor forever on the night he sealed the deal with Philly. On that night, he shone as if he was the Northern King, come to steal the iron throne. Since that night, his legend has continued to expand, and in the minds of basketball fans everywhere, he has been placed in the company of the game's all-time elite.
So the moment, as I saw it, had him in golden glow, with the ball on fire, and himself a crimson and purple Raptor in emergence.
Signed, sealed and delivered. Everything from here on in is gravy.
At this writing, the team is up 3-2 on the monstrous Bucks, and may advance with a victory on home court.
Artistic inspiration can from anywhere, any moment.
Once upon a Time there was a Raptor King....
Check out our "Four Leaf Clover" in the window at Hazelton Gallery, Yorkville...TORONTO!
Rebirth of Venus
Standards of beauty change from century to century, or from generation to generation. In this era, they seem to change with each passing tweet. Nonetheless, we can gaze into the past and catch a glimpse of what an ideal Renaissance standard might be in Botticelli's Venus. Appropriating such a piece means treating it with the respect it deserves, and so the one and only Marylin could ever possibly grace the Rebirth of Venus.
She seems comfortable and at home in the midst of the classical figures by Botticelli. Picked out of a series of black and white stills, she seems to usher in her justifiable technicolour debut which should come into focus any second now. Or maybe never.
No, there is no graffiti. No Mickey Mouse. No Einsteins holding up Love is the Answer placards. Ah, but of course, there is a bird! It's springtime. Rebirth. Of course! "I've got sunshine...and the month of May"....my girl...of course!!!
RELAX. It's a painting. Just a painting. Make of it what you will.
But it is the month of May, and if you are in town (Yorkville) and wish to witness the Rebirth of Venus, do visit the Hazelton Gallery.
….I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way...
Rebirth of Venus, 48x60 acrylic on wood panel, Hazelton Gallery, Toronto
The Stars in my Studio: A Special delivery in this time of Easter and Passover
What are we made of? What comprises us? We are at once sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, partners, friends, mothers, fathers, nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles. A universe in each and every one of us. In each and every one of us a unique perspective. No two are alike. Not even twins.
Some science suggests that we could be nothing more than part of a matrix, a simulation, and that the truth can be found in mathematics. Math is a man-made concept, is it not?
Our inherent arrogance leads us to believe that we can eventually get to the bottom of it all.
Do we truly want to arrive at the nothingness that is the all-knowing, collective everything?
We are comprised of the encapsulated moments that give our lives meaning. Meaning, significance, spirituality: perhaps they are losing steam as science marches on and attempts to replace them with pragmatism.
I would beg to differ. I admit to not being able to wrap my head around some of the latest discoveries, and that the notion of earth itself being but a grain of sand in the universe freaks me out.
Why then, does it all seem to become clear and make perfect sense when I stare into my grandson's Aegean blue eyes?
Today I delivered a piece which is not about ego (mine or the subject's) or any kind of narcissism. Rather, it is entirely about Gratitude. It speaks of family pride and love, and of the special moments which comprise a unique life. A one-of-a-kind, never again, forever and -a-day special, meaningful gift of a life.
We should take a moment each day to remember that there's a place where there's no space or time.
A special thanks to Andrea at ADM Design Inc. for making it all happen.
Nirvana: Begrungingly Yours
Nirvana: Begrungingly Yours 40 x 48 acrylic on wood panel
Nirvana altered the course of music history. Cobain’s life like all life on this planet was brief. His life was cut short. Like a shooting star his was one brilliant, shining moment. Many thanks to a collector who privileged me with this commission. -Pietro Adamo
Woodstock 50: Unearthed
Woodstock 50 : Unearthed 60” x 48” acrylic and mixed media on wood panel.
I was fourteen years old and could only salivate after the thought of what had transpired in the summer of '69.
An entire generation was going to the moon.
Literally.
Everywhere was a song and a celebration.
The jet bombers turned into butterflies.
We were stardust. We were Golden.
Was that it? Was that our School of Athens moment? Was that truly the dawn of a new age?
THAT WAS FIFTY YEARS AGO.
Today, the only line that seems to ring true is credited to the WHO: .......same as the old boss. We did get fooled again, and again.
I painted " Woodstock 50: Unearthed " as an archaeological fragment, a slightly worn out figment of my imagination dug out of the fondest rose-coloured memories of a youth who waited in the wings, watched longingly from the sidelines. Too young and Catholic to truly participate, but old enough to know what was going on. Fifty years on, I wouldn't trade my vantage point for the world. I gave it a passing thought that summer-how could I possibly get there, and how much would it cost?
But I had to work.
At my grandfather's grocery store.
Didn't stop me from dreaming about it, though.
Plus it was in New York.
Oh well....
My dream will have to do.
"Woodstock 50: Unearthed" , mixed media on wood, 48"x60" by Pietro Adamo.
Enjoy responsibly.
Exploration & Discovery
Exploration 58” dia. circle Acrylic on wood panel
Discovery 58” dia circle. Acrylic on wood panel
Exploration and Discovery are the two circular pieces currently receiving much attention. True, the circle seems to be all the rage today as a preferred shape, and spheres can be seen as part of, or central to art installations in many exhibitions.
My decision to fill the circles with simple, fragmented patterns came as a result of where my mind always goes when confronted by the wonderful circle: globe, universe, exploration, discovery, and archaeology. I have worked within the framework of the circle many times, and always, I tend to feel the allure of new boundaries, and no boundaries.
For Exploration and Discovery, I went back to the fragments of pottery excavated and displayed in the museums of Athens, Rome, Madrid, London, Sicily and Crete. The worn finishes from frescoes in Iraklion and Pompeii. These seemingly simple patterns can be found around the globe. The simple geometry acts as a universal visual language, like music for the eyes. These patterns link us more than we might give them credit for. They can be found anywhere: On clothing, on utensils, as architectural motifs in government buildings or wooden huts- in temples, cathedrals or primitive worship circles. They randomly appear, and practically everywhere on the planet, in every culture, in some form or another. Humans have been discovering and re-discovering these patterns as if they all were mandalas. Universal visual truths perhaps. Perhaps they tell us more about our similarities than our differences.
Wherever you go- there you are.
Exploration and Discovery, 58" diameter acrylic on wood panel 2019