Isabella Gherardi: Photogenic
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Galerie Pici is pleased to present an exhibition of photographs by Florence-based artist Isabella Gherardi. Isabella Gherardi brings photography back to its roots that define it as “writing with light”. As she embarks on warm weather days, she references the summer of 2002 with the bright summer light shining into her studio in Italy, illuminating her backgrounds with bright yellow. Gherardi’s Photogenic series is created through staging, with pre- and post-manipulation of the lighting. She forms settings based on the objects found in her studio and in her surroundings.
Gherardi’s use of color is bold and unapologetic. The neon greens and bright pinks have a kitschy aesthetic to them, as she often chooses objects that are toys or other chotchkies.
Gherardi continues to question the traditional portrait and landscape compositions that are so familiar to photography and painting. She uses photography as a means to push her environments into new constructions as a way of restoring her own reality. The sharp photographic quality of these images brighten her environments with joyful energy, highlighting a balance between color and design.
Isabella Gherardi (b. 1962) is an Italian artist living and working in Florence. She has shown work in solo and group exhibitions internationally.
“I didn't want to hang images,
I wanted to create an environment.”
- Isabella Gherardi
Isabella Gherardi (b.1962, Italy)
Giocoliere(Juggler), 2002.
Ilfochrome, plexiglas. 70 x 70 cm / 27.55 x 27.55 in.
Edition of 5
Signed Isabella Gherardi and numbered on the back.
Isabella Gherardi (b.1962, Italy)
Napoleon, 2002.
Ilfochrome, plexiglas. 70 x 70 cm / 27.55 x 27.55 in.
Edition of 5
Signed Isabella Gherardi and numbered on the back.
It was the summer of 2002, in the ruthless clarity of ilfochrome, the presence of the objects that live, dazzled in the artist's studio; flowers and bibelots spoke of happiness, a composed joie de vivre (exuberant enjoyment of life.).