RETRO/NEW – David D’Alessandris
“50 Years in the Life of an Artist”
June 2-July 8, 2023, at The Brick | Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala, FL
Juxtaposing artworks dating back half a century against contemporary, never-before-seen canvases, this full-gallery exhibition promises an entertaining, sometimes challenging, often controversial view of the artistic evolution of well-known Ocala, Florida artist David D’Alessandris.
Known for his imaginative use of color and wide-ranging media, David continues to surprise those who know his work with his exploration of materials—acrylics, watercolor, fiber, paper, wood, metal, ceramics, and found objects—applied in both two- and three-dimensional formats.
From his earliest exhibitions in Pittsburgh in the mid-1970s, David has caught the eye of his fellow artists and critics. Writing in 1978, Mike May, art critic at Pittsburgh magazine, said, “D’Alessandris’s creations can be seen as complex psychological reactions to even everyday situations. His choice of iconography and color selection is meticulously linked to the script on the canvas.”
Retro/New takes visitors on a journey through David’s ever-evolving stages of artistic expression—from whimsical charcoal and pastel drawings, dreamy watercolors, and somber, complex mixed media canvases to his eco-minded rolled-paper “quill” constructions, soft sculpture SaSa-LeLes (his own invention), floral cut-outs, and his signature one-liners, which debuted at Couch Sessions in Ocala.
David’s penchant for repurposing materials that would otherwise have been discarded has long been a trademark. A 1980 review of his work noted, “[David} can take string, satin, old register paper, chicken wire, magic marker doodles, and other rather outré media and produce art.” His “Rust Never Sleeps,” commissioned by Florida Express Environmental and using materials found at their recycling site was featured in the Brick’s May 2023 exhibition, “UpCycled: Turning Waste into Wonder.”
In addition to numerous award-wining and critically acclaimed works, Retro/New will also feature examples of David’s most recent explorations—black-and-impressions of iconic urban landscapes on canvas, the most notable of which is a major, multi-panel work, India One to Five, premiering at this show, which has already generated significant interest locally and nationally.
See more of David’s work at www.david-d-art.com
RSVP IS REQUIRED TO ENTER for the opening reception which is from 5-6 pm and the gallery will be open to the general publiic from 6-7 pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mca-june-opening-reception-retronew-by-david-dalessandris-tickets-627391353427
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