EROS, a series of new paintings by the renowned French painter
FERNAND D’ONOFRIO
at Henry Gregg Gallery April 1 - May 6, 2010
Opening night reception, Thursday, April 1, 6-9pm
The new series of abstract mixed media works by the celebrated contemporary painter FERNAND D’ONOFRIO shows the... Read more
EROS, a series of new paintings by the renowned French painter
FERNAND D’ONOFRIO
at Henry Gregg Gallery April 1 – May 6, 2010
Opening night reception, Thursday, April 1, 6-9pm
The new series of abstract mixed media works by the celebrated contemporary painter FERNAND D’ONOFRIO shows the clear influence of Asian art and history, but doesn’t begin or end there. Indeed, the ecstatic liquid shapes that animate these new paintings seem to be suspended in mid-air, between worlds, somewhere between the artist’s brush and the canvas, spiraling, torn and flung in a series of proto-expressive moments. It is as if D’Onofrio is painting – indeed, glorifying – the acrylic paint itself, in truth, a subject of intense analysis and inquiry for the artist since 1986.
By the mid-1980s, D’Onofrio had serious health problems found to be caused by paint thinners and other solvents. In his rage at having to abandon his artistic arsenal – imagine your life threatened by the very thing you love! – D’Onofrio destroyed the paintings in his possession and wrecked his studio, abandoning it for a full six months, before seeing his way clear. One mid-night he began working again, using synthetic paints this time, and resolved to turn his studio into a laboratory testing the limits of his new medium, a mission he follows to this day.
Perhaps for that reason, the French language titles use terms related to science and self-governance – formulation, centrifuge, theory, autonomy – to describe each of these dramatic images in its singularity. D’Onofrio has further described these pictures as exploring “the natural elements which constitute our world and supernatural manifestations” – what one might call the bare bones of imagination. The Henry Gregg Gallery is moved by D’Onofrio’s devotion to craft as well as revelation, high standards upheld only by great masters, in whose brave company we place him.
Inquiries may be directed to the gallery owner, Andre Martinez Reed, at 718-408-1090 or art@henrygregggallery.com. Private viewings also may be arranged; please call 917-335-3673. The Henry Gregg Gallery is in DUMBO. Open Wed, Thurs, Sat from Noon-6pm, and Fridays from Noon-5pm. By subway: F to York Street or A,C to High Street, Brooklyn.
