Photos courtesy Kerry Reardon
By Robert Brune
ANDES — In this new exhibition at Hawk + Hive Gallery in Andes, ‘Paisaje’ (Translation: Landscape) is a magnificent series of artwork by the Argentinian ex-pat now living in Brooklyn and upstate NY with his wife Kerry Reardon. Pita describes the love of the countryside in upstate NY, “Our frequent drives from Sunset Park Brooklyn to our Adirondack cabin have continually expanded our urge to discover new towns, natural landscapes and to understand communities’ histories. I don’t need to describe the breathtaking views that all of us are entitled to witness, and for myself, how its sheer beauty inspires me, over and over again.”
The roots of this journey for Gonzalo Pita extends back to the harsh living conditions of the military junta neoliberal dictatorship of the 1970’s in Argentina. Pita reflects on how these challenging times may have influenced his passion for abstract minimalism. “ I’m aware that my past, (in many aspects, where the peacefulness of nature included) there are components to my archive of references which have influenced my art…and for sure including some of the darker aspects living as a youth in a dictatorship where we were not able to express outwardly in any capacity that might resemble a social commentary or political critique through writing, art, music or even the way we dressed or wore our hair (longish was forbidden) So, unconsciously, I suppose as a contributing element to the style of my abstract expression, symbolism and minimalism comes to play for myself and for many with similar faceted generational experiences.” Abstract minimalist artwork is said to have been born out of the pre-WWI art of the Russian artist Kazimir Malevich with his founding of Suprematist school of abstract painting. Malevich fell out of favor with the Russian political elites with his form of expressionism. Minimalism artists over the past century since Malevich are often a reaction to authoritarian regimes and/or political upheaval where critics are silenced. In Argentina it’s estimated up to 30,000 artists, writers, and activists were killed or disappeared during Pita’s childhood in South America.
When asked about his choice of very neutral tones for his current series of paintings at Hawk + Hive, Pita responds, “It’s true I’ve fine-tuned my palette over the years and honed in on what, for me, conveys a quietness that attracts me. Sometimes I do catch myself mixing a color collective that might be “easier” on the eyes, but other times I find that my combinations are working for me with a rhythm but not necessarily interpretive of a realist landscape expectation nor the ‘current’ color ways. I guess that’s why they call it abstract. When I start mixing colors in this impasto textured technique, I’m not intent on a particular direction necessarily, but I must be drawing on a flexible compilation of all my experiences which seem to flow as I’m staining the canvas.”
Pita is a self-taught artist, as the artworld classifies artist without formal training as Outsider and Naïve artists, there’s nothing naïve about this set designer of 17 years and artist as he tells of his influences, “My early artistic influencers i would have to say would be the work and life of Benito Quinquela Martin, an Argentine painter of the vibrant lively port in Buenos Aires during the early 20’s. Thereafter, more abstract painters sparked my curiosity from the early Argentine non figurative painters of 1940s-70’s, such as, Kenneth Kemble’s collage paintings, his wife, Silvia Torras’ and other likeminded creators of this time including photographers, architects and designers. Some called this group’s movement ‘informalismo’ (informalism) and ‘arte concreto’ (concrete art) with a strong emphasis on geometrical abstractions. Obviously, this stemmed from the Bauhaus school of being which set in motion a holistic modern design that touched every cultural boundary. I mention these inspirations for myself as they showcase my appreciation for diverse artistic expressions within these simultaneous global movements. With this non scripted freedom of expression, even as trained artists, this allowance of unrestricted form and color brought forth a narrative that played across other countries as if a collective consciousness emerged.”
At the opening reception both Pita and his wife were naturally and genuinely friendly, mixing with local artists and patrons of the arts with such ease, embracing everyone with conversation and gratitude. Pita was especially thankful to Jayne Parker of Hawk + Hive, “I’d like to have this chance to wholeheartedly express how much this exhibition means to me and how appreciative I am of Jayne for having the confidence (and courage) to offer me my first solo show when I’m still a novice and self-taught artist.” Parker has an extraordinary eye for talent. Pita is sure to be a great success.
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