Paul Romano

"Heroine (Intercessor)", Figurative Oil Painting, Seated Woman with Butterflies

2015

This figurative painting titled "Representative" is an original artwork by Lauren Rinaldi made of oil on canvas. This piece measures 48"h x 60"w. Rinaldi’s new series was inspired by the feminist debate on how women's appearances are constantly judged, criticized and dissected; often done so with the intent of diminishing their work and contributions. This issue is prevalent in all industries, but especially in the very public and important realm of politics. Throughout mainstream media, Rinaldi found countless examples of coverage depicting what a female politician was wearing and why it was deemed “inappropriate”, rather than discussing their policies. Typical of Rinaldi’s practice, most of the works found in Representative are not classic portraits, but zoomed in studies of the subject’s legs, shoes and body from the neck down. By doing so, the work focuses on the experiences and outside societal forces that these women, and women like them, have faced. To create the works in Representative, Rinaldi used sourced photographs of female politicians that felt meaningful and powerful to her. Before painting or drawing, Rinaldi manipulates each image through cropping, elongating or changing its composition, background and color. Color is especially important in Representative, as it is an expression that is frequently rejected or criticized in politics by men. Rinaldi uses vibrant jewel tones and color swaps, like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s jacket from black to fuchsia, to represent the bold new ideas and diversity these women are bringing to United States politics. While Rinaldi does not specifically name any of her subjects, viewers will be able to recognize familiar leaders from across both sides of the aisle. Visitors will see snippets of stories through these works, like Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s sparkly boots...

"No Hay Nada Mas" is a 31in x 43in original oil painting by Katherine Fraser in a handmade wood frame. Artist Statement // Life often strikes me as a string of moments, like a serie...

This piece titled "The Lovers" is an original artwork made from oil on double vintage portrait paintings on wood by André Schulze. This piece...

"Revelation" is a 48in x 62in original oil painting by Katherine Fraser in a handmade wood frame. Artist Statement // Life often strikes me as a string of moments, like a series of ...

This contemporary figurative oil painting explores themes of politics and culture. Deborah Root’s dynamic, colourful compositions tell an intimate story about her experience during ...

This contemporary figurative oil painting explores themes of politics and culture. Deborah Root’s dynamic colourful compositions tell an intimate story about her experience during s...

This contemporary figurative oil painting explores themes of politics and culture. Deborah Root’s dynamic colourful compositions tell an intimate story about her experience during s...

This contemporary figurative oil painting explores themes of politics and culture. Deborah Root’s dynamic colourful compositions tell an intimate story about her experience during s...