Neptune is pleased to present our second exhibit "Another Level" by John Aquilino in our beautiful new gallery. Following a highly successful solo debut at Neptune in May, 2007, Aquilino continues to explore dense architectural massing in Baltimore using a rich palette and deft hand. With its large glass walls and second floor location, the gallery's views of downtown Bethesda work in perfect harmony with Aquilino's elevated interpretations of our neighboring city.
Several paintings like "Blue Door" or "Blue Building" invite us a little bit closer to the skyline, but instead of adding more details Aquilino simplifies the composition. Perhaps the influence comes from a continued interest in collage. "Another Level" includes four new and larger collages than the two displayed in 2007. If Aquilino's paintings strip the landscape of pollution and people, the new collages take this approach even further. Portraits of the city are streamlined. The results are like portraits of people by Alex Katz, deceptively simple images which garner strong impact.
Two larger paintings, "No Parking" and "Orange Bridge" bring us inside or under large structures for our view of the city. "No Parking" triggers another new artistic path for Aquilino to investigate. Still elevated in the landscape we are also enclosed in a solitary parking garage. No Parking signs prevent us from leaving the car here, but this quiet and bold concrete environment becomes our perch to observe the rhythm of a complex architectural landscape.
John Aquilino "Another Level"
November 19 - December 20, 2008
Reception for the artist: November 22, 7 PM
Also open for the Bethesda Art Walk, December 12, 6-9 PM
To read the November 23th, December 10th and December 12th reviews click on PRESS.