Piero Spadaro
Modesty Panel
May 3 - June 8, 2023
Modesty Panel
May 3 - June 8, 2023
Reception: Wednesday, May 3rd, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Andrea Schwartz Gallery is pleased to announce the fourth solo exhibition by Piero Spadaro.
“My bare paintings needed layers of protection, and so did I. Subsequently, I found myself drawn to materials that mirror, refract and veil.” – Piero Spadaro
After a year full of personal change, Spadaro found himself revisiting his roots as a ceramicist. He was increasingly drawn to content on social media where ceramicists constructed experimental, heavily glazed, painterly objects and painters produced enchanting acrylic pours. After falling down this rabbit hole of creative content, Spadaro began mimicking and mocking these liquified creations. What started as sarcasm turned to endearment as Spadaro witnessed this online community of artists share knowledge, techniques, and ultimately, Joy.
Spadaro’s initial pessimism, while complicated, stemmed from being repeatedly told ‘you’re non-essential’ during the pandemic. Feelings that his life’s work had been dismissed and his ‘non-essential’ career had been picked up like a plaything by those needing a hobby during the pandemic stayed with him. While he liked the joy people found in creating, it also had a stripping effect on him. In response, his bare paintings needed protection. Spadaro’s new body of work utilizes materials like armor, creating reflections, refractions, and veils. The artwork exhibits in layers, some elements for the viewer and some hidden away for the art itself.
“My bare paintings needed layers of protection, and so did I. Subsequently, I found myself drawn to materials that mirror, refract and veil.” – Piero Spadaro
After a year full of personal change, Spadaro found himself revisiting his roots as a ceramicist. He was increasingly drawn to content on social media where ceramicists constructed experimental, heavily glazed, painterly objects and painters produced enchanting acrylic pours. After falling down this rabbit hole of creative content, Spadaro began mimicking and mocking these liquified creations. What started as sarcasm turned to endearment as Spadaro witnessed this online community of artists share knowledge, techniques, and ultimately, Joy.
Spadaro’s initial pessimism, while complicated, stemmed from being repeatedly told ‘you’re non-essential’ during the pandemic. Feelings that his life’s work had been dismissed and his ‘non-essential’ career had been picked up like a plaything by those needing a hobby during the pandemic stayed with him. While he liked the joy people found in creating, it also had a stripping effect on him. In response, his bare paintings needed protection. Spadaro’s new body of work utilizes materials like armor, creating reflections, refractions, and veils. The artwork exhibits in layers, some elements for the viewer and some hidden away for the art itself.
"As it Was" | mixed media and resin on panel | 48 x 72 inches
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"I Ain't Worried" | mixed media and resin on panel | 48 x 60 inches
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"Chill Wave" | mixed media and resin on panel | 47 x 62 inches
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"Flowers" | mixed media and resin on panel | 30 x 60 inches
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"Escapism" | mixed media and resin on panel with Govee lighting | 47 x 47 inches
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"About Damn Time" | mixed media and resin on panel | 48 x 36 inches
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"I Wanna Rock" | mixed media and resin on panel | 24 x 48 inches
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"Golden Hour" | mixed media and resin on panel | 48 x 24 inches
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"Study Beats" mixed media and resin on panel | 36 x 36 inches
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"Made You Look" | mixed media and resin on panel | 36 x 24 inches
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"Sure Thing" | mixed media and resin on panel with Govee lighting | 36 x 24 inches
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"Jiggle Jiggle" | mixed media and resin on panel | 24 x 24 inches
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"Sunroof" mixed media and resin on panel | 24 x 24 inches
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"Wellerman (Sea Shanty)" | mixed media and resin on panel with Govee lighting | 24 x 12 inches
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