Me Too, Michael Angelo Gagliardi, 2021, oil stick on shaped canvas, 46 x 46 in. / 116.84 x 116.84 cm.

Exploring the Intensity of Human Emotion: Art by Gagliardi

January 10, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Me Too, Michael Angelo Gagliardi, 2021, oil stick on shaped canvas, 46 x 46 in. / 116.84 x 116.84 cm.

Michael Angelo Gagliardi's art stands as a testament to the powerful conveyance of human emotion through visual media.

Michael Angelo Gagliardi is an artist known for his intense, emotive works that explore deep psychological themes through vibrant colors and dynamic forms.

His works, often characterized by their intense color palettes and evocative forms, delve deep into the psyche, manifesting both the universal and the personal in a single frame. The three pieces selected for critique — "Portrait Of The Artist Screaming Into The Endless Void," "Then They Kissed," and "Claire Was Grateful for Her Meds" — are exemplary of Gagliardi's ability to capture the tumultuous depth of the human condition.

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Portrait Of The Artist Screaming Into The Endless Void, Michael Angelo Gagliardi, 2018, mixed media on shaped canvas, 64 x 40 in. / 25.1 x 15.7 cm.

This mixed media creation on shaped canvas is a cacophony of anguish and existential dread. Gagliardi's use of distorted anatomy and contrasting colors screams of a primal release of emotion. The subject's gaping mouth and wide eyes draw the viewer into a vortex of feeling, while the segmented canvas reflects the fragmented nature of the self. It's a raw, unfiltered broadcast of the artist's internal state, presented with an honesty that's as admirable as it is unsettling.

Then They Kissed, Michael Angelo Gagliardi, 2008, pastel on paper, 36 x 26 in. / 91.44 x 66.94 cm.

"Then They Kissed" is a softer, yet equally intense exploration of intimacy and connection. The pastel on paper allows for a gentleness that permeates the piece, with the merging forms of the two figures capturing a moment of profound closeness. The subtlety of the colors and the delicate interplay of light and shadow suggest a tenderness that is often lost in more vibrant works, making this a standout piece for its emotive delicacy.

Claire Was Grateful for Her Meds, Michael Angelo Gagliardi, 2007, pastel on paper, 36 x 26 in. / 91.44 x 66.94 cm.

Perhaps the most poignant of the three, "Claire Was Grateful for Her Meds" speaks to the quiet struggle with inner demons. The pastel's muted tones and the subject's hunched posture within the confines of a diamond pattern evoke a sense of being trapped. Yet, there is an undercurrent of hope — a testament to the relief and gratitude that often accompanies the reprieve from mental turmoil. It's a powerful acknowledgment of the role of medication in mental health, rendered with empathy and insight.

Michael Angelo Gagliardi's works go beyond mere representation; they are an emotive force that beckons the viewer to confront the raw edges of human experience. Through his use of various mediums and forms, Gagliardi successfully navigates the complexities of emotion, from the depths of despair to the heights of relief. His art not only reflects his personal narrative but also resonates with the collective narrative of human vulnerability and resilience.

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If An Artist Screams Into The Endless Void And No One Cares, Michael Angelo Gagliardi, 2023, mixed media, 48 x 48 x 12 in. / 121.92 x 121.92 x 30.48 cm.