Article : Art Editor Bryen Bumbarger
Photos: Jonathan Saldana
This fall, the galleries and museums in New York City lower east side are overflowing with exciting work. We recently went to a gallery showing for artist Antonella Mason at Gizzi’s Bar and Lounge located in the Heart of Greenwich Village. Photographer Jonathan Saldana & I sat and listened to soft jazz acoustics over candle light while sipping cocktails and dinning; all the while viewing the captivating art works. The lounge had a very engaging energy with live performances and poetry readings while the crowd buzzed in discussion of the passionate strokes of Antonella’s portraits.
Antonella’s work captures the complexities of the human spirit with her aggressive strokes and ability to delve into the psychoanalytic aseptic of the human personality. She is able to capture a piece of each one of her models; allowing the viewer to see deep into their soul. She is enthusiastic about her work, showing charisma and care through the intensity with each of her strokes.
“Antonella Mason is a vibrant part of the New York Art Scene. Her art evokes so much of her background and training as a Venetian artist, a peering glance into her world, a cultural bridge connecting to the viewer in this very moment. Her strong painterly strokes pair well with her interior dialogue giving way to an intimate portrayal.” Says her agent Roberta Hickey
Antonella also shared a few words about her work with us. “The essence of the human soul has become the purpose of my search. Through the depth of color, I feel like I am physically touching the emotions of the inner self of the subjects that catch my attention. It is a journey into the ‘Being’ that challenges my curiosity, but over all my need of fulfillment. The universality of the human being thinking, its gestures and its expressions, are the foundations on which my work develops itself. I find myself on contemplating even the most apparently “aseptic” situation and every time an inner feeling comes out of it, I recognize it only at the end of the art work performance. I accept to follow my instinct, so then, if I really have to, I can understand its meaning.”
Antonella has been the resident artists at Gizzi’s where she is currently on display, and will soon begin touring her work in Galleries throughout New York and Italy. You can find more information about Antonella on her website antonellamason.com as well as her current works and gallery showings.
