Paintings by Francisco Aliotta are inspired as much weathered remnants of paper left behind from former posters and street art as well as paintings by fine art masters from modern through contemporary art. Some of his inspirations? Artists includes Abstract Expressionists Willem de Kooning (1904-1997), Gerhard Richter and Mark Rothko (1903-1970) and master painters Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944), Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Robert Ryman, Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) and José Parlá.
With such a list, it's no surprise that paintings by Francisco Aliotta combine abstraction with street edge to create his mixed media art. Several paintings by Aliotta will be exhibited in "An UnCommon Art Show" this weekend (November 12 - 13, 2016) at Ashawagh Hall in East Hampton. Artist submissions to the Open Call Art Show will be accepted through Friday, November 11, 2016 at Hampton Photo Arts in Bridgehampton. The photo supply and frame shop is sponsoring the exhibition.
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Artwork by Francisco Aliotta. Courtesy of the artist.
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The exhibition's theme is designed to attract artists who are working with unusual materials, an unusual process or creating art that may push boundaries. Both well and lesser-known artists have been accepted into the group show.
Francisco Aliotta's art is a perfect fit for the exhibition. His mixed media works draw upon the traditions of painting and collage to create art that visually pops and can surprise. Text is an element in his art even though it may not readily be apparent.
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Artwork by Francisco Aliotta. Courtesy of the artist.
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Aliotta will exhibit two works on canvas for "An UnCommon Art Show." In his art practice, he also makes works on paper which infuse a delicacy to his bold pieces. Regardless of the base chosen, the process of painting and collaging different elements is a joyful one.
"I love experimenting with the medium and try not to limit what can happen," said Aliotta in a phone interview. "What would our lives be like if we put limits on it? I'm relaxed with the process but I go for it. No holds bar when it comes to making the work."
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Artwork by Francisco Aliotta. Courtesy of the artist.
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Adopting a bold exploratory attitude in his art making practice is a freeing one for Aliotta. It also connects with his habit of noticing beauty while walking in the streets of New York City and while traveling in spots around the globe as an art installed. Being around major works of art—both modern and contemporary—places inspirations by master artists in front of his eyes on a daily basis, he said. It's not something he takes for granted.
Working with contemporary art can sometimes render surprises of their own. Recently, Aliotta received an impromptu hug from Chinese artist Ai Weiwei after his art was installed in a New York City gallery, said Aliotta.
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Artwork by Francisco Aliotta. Courtesy of the artist.
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While fine art provides inspiration and creative fuel, so do the small things he notices around him. His eye especially appreciates the way art and graphics are posted, removed and layered all around New York City. When posters and papers are removed, a residual remains creating a history and a shadow of an implied message or visual communication.
Also transformed by weather, the combination of layers of what remains, which can be paper tatters washed out or faded from sun and rain, is something that Aliotta finds himself noticing and appreciating. The concept of biodegradable is one that makes its way into his visual art.
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Artwork by Francisco Aliotta. Courtesy of the artist.
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Aliotta brings the energy he feels in the streets back to his studio where emotions and intuition roam free in his process.
"I see beauty in things on a daily basis," he said. "I love the grit of the city. It has an intensity."
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Artwork by Francisco Aliotta. Courtesy of the artist.
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Francisco Aliotta's art has been exhibited in galleries in New York City. His work can be viewed on his Instagram and Twitter pages. Click here for his Instagram and here for his Twitter (@juxtaposzz).
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BASIC FACTS: "An UnCommon Art Show" hosted by Hampton Photo Arts and Framing takes place on Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13, 2016. Ashawagh Hall is located at 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, NY 11937. www.ashawagh-hall.org.
Artists can continue to apply to exhibit through November 11, 2016 by stopping by Hampton Photo Arts and Framing in Bridgehampton Commons, 2044 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976. www.hamptonphotoarts.com. For information on the exhibition or how to apply, contact Franki at [email protected].
Even before the doors open on Saturday, November 12, 2016, Hampton Photo Arts decided to ease some of the suspense to reveal the work of four artists who will exhibit in the show: Franki Mancinelli; Miles Partington, Adam Barnello and Francisco Aliotta. The work of all four artists pull from different traditions and influences, demonstrating some of the diverse works that will be exhibited in the open call art show.
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