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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

All New Bel Vaso works

“Madame’s Butterfly” 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas

“Madame’s Butterfly” 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas

“Blue Opal” 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas

“Blue Opal” 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas

These beautiful new Bel Vaso series pieces , with their Giardini inspired floral textures and Adamo-esque geometric patterns are currently available. To see these pieces in detail go to our still life section in the available paintings.

-JC (Curator)

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

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The Yorkville district in Toronto has been an area that has been reinvented many times since the early days of "Hog Town".

Today, and for the better part of the last half of the twentieth century, it could be argued that it has been home to the trend-setting demographic in the city, and perhaps the country. The vignette captured in my rendition of Yorkville, mixed media on canvas, 44"x44", alludes to the fashionistas who roam the famous streets (Cumberland, Hazelton,Yorkville, Avenue, Bloor) with appropriate handbags marked by an "x". They are seemingly oblivious to the real world around them witnessed by a solitary lamp post and church window. Ah, La Dolce Vita- right here, in T.O.! Rich textures in coral, seafoam and blushing pink-surrounded by white- oh pure white, and soft whites of course. Surely there is nothing more pressing in life than this bliss.


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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

Imagine

“Liverpool-NewYork city” 56” x 46” Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel

“Liverpool-NewYork city” 56” x 46” Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel

Four decades ago, on a brisk New York October day, the last note in A Day In The Life rang out forever.  For those of us who felt numb at the reality of John Lennon's brazen, senseless murder; the last note, like lingering tinnitus, stays within us.  

No matter how many tributes, in recognition of his superstardom, both as an artist and activist- nothing can erase the feeling that somehow, the entire human race was shortchanged by a random act of unimaginable violence.  We were not given the chance to hear and experience his response to several wars since his passing.  How would he have reacted to nine-eleven?  How would his input have influenced generations of voters?  IT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT THAT FORTY YEARS ON, HE WAS, AND REMAINS THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE BEATLES, and the collective expression of a generation.  

As a visual artist, my tributes are as sincere as only I can make them, with heartfelt appreciation for an artist who still makes a difference today, in what would have been his ninth decade.......Imagine

With sincere respect, admiration and gratitude,

Pietro

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

Ruby Tuesday: At The F***'N ELMO!

Where would you find a couple of Artsies on an idle Tuesday in T.O.?  At The El Mocambo of course!  

We could not wait to meet the man behind the vision: Michael.  Our thoughts were mutual:  Toronto needs more of his ilk.  We also met Max, Spence and Mitch and we were treated to a tour we'll never forget by none other than Max whose elegant presence and genuine enthusiasm is contagious.  We felt immersed in the immense history of this Toronto landmark, restored to a glory that is mind-boggling.  The place is as intoxicating as ever - to think our generation in particular held the Elmo in the highest esteem, at the top of a list which included Gasworks, Lee's Palace and the House of Lords.  

Toronto has its history, although not always neat and tidy, and sometimes laced with issues and substances and circumstances- it is, nonetheless, HISTORY.  It needs to be preserved.  It is a civic duty as well as good business.  

I'll not bother with descriptions of the multiple-million dollar renovation or ticket-prices which have definitely accounted for inflation.  You'll have to see it for yourself.  It is akin to viewing any of the major landmarks.  It oozes with our modern history, for written between the lines of actual historical events are the gatherings and happenings which give a social understanding of the decades.  These events (concerts, openings, parties et al) become the very history they seek to contextualize .  How often do we hear of deals having been sealed at the "gala" rather than in the boardroom?  

So much transpired within these restored walls- some moments over a drink or a song and a dance may have changed the course of history.  If only the bricks could talk!

On that note, I would like to dedicate the painting: "Postcards From The Elmo" to the grand re-opening of the Neon Palm and the people whose collective vision have made it possible.

Many thanks Max and crew, for the opportunity, and the wonderful tour,

Erica and Pietro

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

"Bleu Cabernet"

We’re incredibly proud to present an all new over size abstract work by Adamo. “Bleu Cabernet” 48” x 80”

acrylic on canvas. for any inquiries contact us through our provided form.

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

Giardini

Giardini, Adamo's fantastical celebration of nature, draws the viewer into a wondrous world of texture, light and colour.
For more info on this series send us a message.

-JC(curator)

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

ADAMO 65

We are incredibly proud to present this week's exhibition," ADAMO 65" a celebration of the esteemed 48 year career of our founder artist Pietro Adamo.
His artistic drive and passion, continues to burn even brighter today, after nearly five decades of excellence.
We hope you enjoy this brief glimpse into Adamo's creative journey.-JC(curator)

For any inquiries, send us a message.

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

" Heart of L.A. (Ciao, Kobe)"

“Heart of L.A. (Ciao ,Kobe) 56” x 46” Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel (Private Collection)

“Heart of L.A. (Ciao ,Kobe) 56” x 46” Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel (Private Collection)

 As it is with all iconic figures tragically having left this life, the requests for commemorative art after their passing is overwhelming.  I am very particular about the subjects I choose to honour as I must have some feeling of connection in order to immerse myself completely as an artist, and without reservation or over-contemplation. 

I chose not to dwell on the tragedy, or the well-deserved emotional overload which accompanies the sudden loss of nine lives so relevant to their communities.  I did this deliberately, and with total respect.  I chose Kobe only.  Kobe, the flawed human, who through doing what he did best, inspired so many to rise above mediocrity.  How he lived was the message.  Overcoming adversity. Beating the odds.  Improving as you continue to live in all the important areas of life: family, mentorship, charity, accountability, duty, ethics, taking responsibility.  Standing up to be counted upon. Setting an example for future generations.  It's funny-nothing that truly matters when we remember involves bling of any kind- true riches have more to do with character, and learning from one's mistakes.  The central message is clear: "We can always kind of be average, and do what's normal.  I'm not in this to do what's normal.  Everything negative-pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise".

It is a message that perhaps resonates even more in a difficult time.  It summons up courage, determination and the spirit necessary to overcome- and thrive.

Many thanks to the collector who commissioned : "Heart of L.A.:"Ciao, Kobe".....may it deliver a daily dose of positivity!

-Adamo

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

"Moderne"

“Moderne” 48” x 72” acrylic and mixed media on canvas

“Moderne” 48” x 72” acrylic and mixed media on canvas

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We are proud to present this beautiful new geometric abstract piece. The wonderful play of hard geometry, drips, soft edges and pattern are all marks of the master painter Pietro Adamo. For any inquires send us a message with our provide form.

-JC (Curator)

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Jonathan Centeno Jonathan Centeno

"Connection" Opening Night

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We would like to thank Hampton Gallery and their incredible staff for hosting the opening night of Pietro Adamo’s solo show “ Connection” in Montreal. For those of you interested in where the show title came from

here’s an excerpt from Adamo’s biography-

In the summer of 1967, I was lucky enought to travel to Montreal to

experience Expo 67 with my “cool” cousins who had moved to the city. I saw

THE FUTURE. I saw MODERN. I experienced the fashion, the new ideas, the new art ( it did not look like anything i had ever seen! ). There to party, but I absorbed so much more.

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At the time, the CN Tower was a glint in some architect’s eye, and despite the Leafs-Habs bitter rivalry, Montreal was definitely Canada’s largest and most progressive city. I returned to T.O. having been thoroughly loosened up. My outlook had changed. I was still a kid, but my artscape was beginning to mature. It was then that I began to realize the value of seeing and observing as being just as important as the action of drawing and painting. I realized that art was more than Da Vinci and Michelangelo. These crazy Pieces by Riopelle, Molinari, Snow- they too had merit. I remember thinking: “ This is more like the world today” and “ that’s kind of what living feels like today”. It contrasted sharply with the art we were doing in which representation was key. If it didn’t look like anything, it couldn’t be anything! Oh but it was...and so much more.

It was : EXPRESSION.- Pietro Adamo

Don’t forget , if you couldn’t make it that evening ,the show is on until Dec. 6.

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