Opening Reception: "Transition" by Rich Tomasello

Please join us for the opening reception of "Transition" featuring work by Rich Tomasello. The opening event is this Wednesday from 6-9pm at iPrintfromHome.

Find out more: facebook.com/event

From Rich:
Transition aims to visually document the path my work has taken over the past four years.

My earlier work consisted of pastel and ink wash drawings that featured two recurring figures: one with a bandaged head (the hero non-conformist) and the other with a rhino horn (the violent and oppressive). This work, inspired by concepts in the play Rhinoceros of conformity and violence in society was deeply personal to me. The work connected with some viewers in ways I had not expected. It became personal for them too. As more people shared their stories of power struggles, masculinity, or bullying, my old wounds of experiencing physical and verbal violence firsthand began to heal. It was a bit therapeutic.

In 2012, my Rhinoceros pen and ink drawings of factory made rhinos and packages bearing the rhino label, transitioned to a completely new and different path of art materials and media. Last year, I began using Photoshop to create detailed and authentic packaging for action figures and sculptures. Some of these figures are appropriately branded “Rhino Toys”. In these new works I was worried less about how to fit them into the Rhinoceros mold of bandages and horns, and more focused on the issue or topic they addressed. These works were made in direct response to school shootings, Syrian conflict, gender roles, and other current events. Gas masks, soldiers, quarantined children, and absurd or violent toys became new vehicles for the recurring themes that have always been present in my work, that of power, or the lack thereof. In essence, the work became more universal and I hope, equally as visceral.


Complimentary snacks and drinks. Free and open to the public. Please feel free to share this event.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Thanks,
the iPrintfromHome.com team

Who: Solo Show by Rich Tomasello
What: Opening Reception for "Transition"
When: Wednesday, January 29th from 6-9pm
Where: iPrintfromHome.com
2630 Elmwood Ave.(entrance on Shepard)
Kenmore, NY 14217