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Michael Genovese has created a distinct visual language, which speaks through its warring marks of positive and negative space. Territorial in their nature, and at times even incomprehensible, the visceral attitude of these elements is physically moving. In combining text with the violent performance of burning into and scratching out, Genovese embodies words with their inherentness to injure. His deep Chicago upbringing runs through the vein-like compositions, calling out a fragile yet calloused tenderness; bringing to the forefront the beauty within tragedy.
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It's a long walk Home, Space 1026, Philadelphia
Genovese’s work combines the raw hand of graffiti with the refined detail of a mughal miniature painting. The fluid hand lettering is evocative of his life spent among a carnival, funneled through the mask of a history of art theory and classic sign making. Retaining a currency often lacking in contemporary art, Genovese picks from the local urban environment, elements which reflect both his personal history as well as that of the city. Where grimy layers of cultural slangism explode on the surface, hope flowers from beneath.
A self-taught artist, Mike has turned life experience into a stunning example of art representative of culture. He incorporates the socio-political concerns of his neighbors while maintaining a uniquely personal point of view. His confident hand is evident, creating work which is aesthetically diverse yet singular in its source.
Often working collaboratively, street assemblage can be seen on the most hidden as well as prominent of corners, provoking an almost guttural response. The viewer is set aback, yet prompted to closer scrutiny. The act of returning his art to the street denotes a detachment of self, which is at once disarming and elegant. The works’ humility is-
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enhanced by this charitable feat, while simultaneously aggrandized by their size and accessibility to the public. Art without pay and without permission can only be described as true to the very nature of creation.
Lo que puedes pagar Project, Chicago
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