Vincent Giarrano grew up in Buffalo, New York, and lived in New York City. He and his wife now live in rural Connecticut. He travels from his home to the city, where he is inspired afresh to paint its grittiness.
Red Facade, oil, 14 x 11"
“I didn’t paint the city when I was in the city,” he says. “It’s an inspiring place. The city affects you. When you live there, you have blinders on. You’re trying to get to your destination and get around all the people. You don’t see it or feel it as much. Now, going there and experiencing the dynamics of people and architecture with fresh eyes, I feel the energy way more than when I lived there. What I love about the city is that it is constantly changing, always evolving, providing endless inspiration.”
Cindy Hulej in Her Studio, oil, 12 x 9"
His paintings of New York are suggested narratives, moments in the lives of young women making their lives amidst the millions of others making theirs. In Sidewalk Gallery in Soho, an aspiring artist displays her art on the steps of a clothing store, hoping her work will be recognized. We each bring our own interpretations to Giarrano’s narratives, perhaps hoping that the young artist in this painting will begin moving ahead like the 'walk' sign illuminated above her, or climb the ladder to success positioned just behind her.
Sidewalk Gallery in Soho, oil, 24 x 36"
When he was working in New York, Giarrano “had to learn to survive.” While working as a comic book artist, he developed his sense of narrative. Today, he often writes before he begins painting—and after. “It’s functional writing,” he explains. “It might be lists or ideas about the painting or the model. I work with all sorts of people. It’s a collaboration and an inspiring experience.”
Basquiat’s Studio on Great Jones Street, oil, 24 x 36"
He says, “I don’t want the paintings to seem labored. I want them to have a freshness.” He achieves this with heightened color in cool even light, with painterly passages and some that are more highly realized.
Hotel in New York City, oil, 16 x 20"
Scenes of frenetic city life alternate with those of repose, a woman sprawled on a bed in Hotel in New York City, her suitcase suggesting transition, or the guitar maker in Candy Hulej in Her Studio, taking a break from her work.
Vincent Giarrano’s exhibit City Life Paintings will be shown October 28 through November 26 at Susan Powell Fine Art in Madison, Connecticut. —
Susan Powell Fine Art 679 Boston Post Road • Madison, CT 06443 • (203) 318-0616 • www.susanpowellfineart.com
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