About the artist

The work of James Russo is an exploration of human connection and longing.

Shapes and colours flow out of human-like figures, communicating feelings and messages that illuminate dusky, dark spaces. Even in their fluid and broken states, there is the possibility of transformation for these figures. They emerge out of voids, moving across landscapes in a search of connection.

Working mainly in acrylic on canvas, he uses rich, vibrant tones to highlight figures that morph between vivid realistic detail and geometric shapes. Their emergence out of dark into light conveys a struggle to be more 'real' and seen. Russo's work takes a range of influences, from the abstract paintings of Paul Klee, the vibrant colours of Japanese (ukiyo-e) wood-block prints to the playfulness of Matisse's 'cut-out shape' works.

Until recently James lived for 12 years with chronic head pain. Through the mental weight and grind of this condition, but also the strive to accept pain and instability, to make sense of himself and the world and to connect with oneself and others are all themes of his work. Abstraction is used to reveal the 'reality', the world of our inner state and being in the world. To show the loneliness and pain of the self, but also the beauty and joy of being and connecting with people in spite of this is the goal of his art.

Contact

(+44) 7539342084
jamesrosariorusso@gmail.com

Forest Gate, London
United Kingdom

Get in touch with James