I took a trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario with my mom recently. Being a deeply religious person (as many Italians of her generation are), many of the older works affected her profoundly.
In particular, it reminded her of our hometown, Serra San Bruno, and of one of the pieces I had created (you can find this piece for sale as part of my website featuring art for sale in Toronto).
The artwork transported her to another time and place, when she was younger and more carefree. The stress and pressures of life hadn’t yet weighed on her – I was glad she had an opportunity to experience this.
Comparing this with much of the art of our times, I couldn’t help but feel like something was lacking. What we see today is often about creating an installation in a gallery, accompanied by a full explanation of what we’re supposed to feel and think about the piece. This is art a la carte, spoon fed to us. Instead of using it as a way to explore our own feelings, we’re told what to think and feel.
Now think of some of the beautiful art passed down to us from the old masters. We’re left to contemplate what this art can mean and how it can affect our lives, which creates a more personal experience. And it has nothing to do with how accurately art recreates reality – some of my favourite artists, like Willem de Kooning, do their best work in abstract. You’ll find several abstract pieces in my own body of work.
When creating my own work, I look to the feeling created by these old masters. Hopefully you get a taste of the feeling my mom did at the AGO when you look at this piece. It’s an illustration of the church in our hometown, Serra San Bruno.
Contact Francesco Galle
To find out more about the prints I have available, browse this website. You’ll find a variety of prints inspired by Italy, Canada, love, and much more.
You can also contact me using the information on this page to find out more about my process, as well as to talk about a specific commissioned project you may have.