The work: Gerard Russo, Presence, 2019. Copper, fibreglass, wood, electric lighting, 53 x 61cm. Courtesy: the artist.
Gerard Russo’s work, Presence, is a testament to the artist’s dedication to expressing his vision through traditional techniques, modern materials, and an unwavering pursuit of expressive mark-making. Russo’s work often converses between the natural world and the built one, incorporating both figurative and industrial subjects. Presence is a remarkable work that exemplifies Russo’s skill at utilising scribing methods to create tonality while retaining expressive mark-making. Using a copper composite material and traditional etching techniques, Russo creates original works that are illuminated from within, speaking to the transient and temporal nature of the conscious experience.
Grace Alty, Curator, ARTIS GALLERY, Auckland
The illumination of Russo’s mark making emphasises the tactility of his processes. The layering and cross hatching in white light interacts with the dark negative space, creating an interesting depth of field. The conventional figure, while dominating the focal point of the work, seems to be waning. In pair with the title, reference to the unconscious and conscious mind is suggested.
Anna Prifti, Gallery Director, West End Art Space, Melbourne