Lori Larusso to Speak

Artist, Lori Larusso, will be speaking tomorrow (10/6) at 1:15pm in the Art Gallery.  If you are unable to attend this talk you will have another chance to hear her speak that same night during the reception, which runs from 6-8pm in the Art Gallery.  These events are free and open to the public.

Larusso’s paintings contain interior spaces and manicured semi-private outdoor spaces that suggest a relative level of comfort and social acceptance. Confidently defined, the architecture represented through image sometimes confirms and sometimes questions the stability of the situation. The commonality of the image is encouraged by the absence of personal information.Including only necessary information to complete the idea and composition, the edge of the painted image defines the edge of the support. Moving outside of the traditional rectangular format, the interaction of the painting with the wall becomes a relevant aspect to the work.

Negative/positive space issues arise and become significant, as well as actual shadows cast onto the wall from the piece versus painted shadows in the piece. The flat image lends itself to intentionality of mark making. Her representations of generic and stereotypical middle America remind us of the culture we maintain on a daily basis through our every action. Our ideals are often a reflection of the way we wish things were, rather than a product of the way we actually experience them. This conflict is in direct connection to the representational image.