Vince Contarino

Better Half, 2009, acrylic on canvas over panel, 36 x 48 in.

 Old Black, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50 in.

 Untitled (10), 2011, acrylic on paper, 10.75 x 9 in.

 Playground, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 18 in.

Altar, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 18 in.

Turn Blue, 2009, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 34 in.

 Untitled (6), 2011, acrylic on paper, 10.75 x 9 in.

 Untitled (4), 2011, acrylic on paper, 10 x 8.5 in.

Split Decision, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 34 in.

Artist Statement  

My work is concerned with exploring the possibilities of abstraction through drawing, collage, and painting. I’m specifically interested in the development of a visual language through various gestures and informed decision-making. I develop ideas for my paintings through small graphite drawings, but this has more recently extended into making works on paper with acrylic and collage, cooling off the desire to make paintings composed of strictly brushwork and gesture. The small works on paper are more intimate and less precious, but with the intensity of discovering something for the first time. This leads me to create works that are a continual balancing act between embracing the intuitive nature of the painting process and making aesthetic choices through patient, considered moves.

Vince Contarino’s Website