Looking at a painting by Nicole Galluccio induces a feeling
of calmness and joy. With everything going on in the world right now, this is
exactly what I needed to see. When you walk into her studio you walk into a
bold, bright flower garden [evoked by her paintings] with a hot pink floor, and leave unexpectedly, with a smile on your face.
This is no accident. The work is process oriented. She
established her painting practice on Color theory, which is the combination of
art and science that determines what colors look good together. The bold
designs mimic the color wheel and are rooted in the philosophy of aesthetics; studying
how the mind and emotions appreciate beauty.
Her work references nature. Emerson said, “The simple
perception of natural forms is a delight.” Nature dazzles the senses (Popejoy). Galluccio
relies on this by using reoccurring motifs of flowers, sunshine rays, and
character art based on wildlife. Everyone loves a good Disney film and her bird
characters could be plucked right out of a Snow white picture. She relies
heavily on geometric structure and often references the mandala, which denotes the
universe in Buddhist symbolism.
Flowers have been one of the most beloved subjects to paint
throughout art history. From Bosschaert and Cassatt to Warhol and Quinn you can find many styles and techniques using
flowers. The latter most resembling Galluccio’s intentions. Investigating contemporary artists, and looking at some of Galluccio’s older works [that
include collage], my mind immediately references Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes.
Mihazes also utilizes a rigorous geometric structure with recurring motifs. Like
Galluccio, Milhazes feels her technique is most important to the work. Milhazes
work intentionally creates a visual dissonance so the “viewer has something to
do” when looking at the work. Galluccio’s work has the opposite, calming effect, but has similar qualities.
Moving on to Galluccio’s newer works, which include a smiling
sun and flowers, I am of course instantly reminded of Takashi Murakami’s work. His
work has historical techniques but heavily references pop culture, anime and
cartoons which is directly in line with what I see in Galluccio’s work. I am drawn
to the flatness of her work. The comic, printmaking techniques she achieves
with a paintbrush are impressive. No one does a black line [freehand] better
than she does. Murakami coined the term "superflat", which describes
both the aesthetic characteristics of the Japanese artistic tradition and the
nature of post-war Japanese culture and society. The artwork of Nicole
Galluccio fits nicely into this contemporary art movement.
In the modern world artists are pushed to market themselves
and sell their artistic output [Conversation].
Marketing yourself is now a necessity. Galluccio is well on her way to
establishing herself as a brand. She not only paints, but also does an array of
products [jewelry, furniture, and clothing]. Murakami has established himself
as a pioneer of promoting art as a brand (Artnet). It will be
interesting to see her development and collaborations if she continues moving in
this direction.
For more information about Nicole Gallucio you can find her
at the following
Website: Www.nicolegalluccioart.com
The John D. MacArthur Campus
Library will be hosting a small exhibition of her work
Nov 15 – Jan 10, 2019(20)
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