Brian Madonna’s heavily textured, figurative oil paintings deal with the physicality of the material world upon the human form and societal structures that burden them.
He explores ideas of surveillance and control upon the figure, showing a muted and calculated existence, directed by the powerful technological forces that surround and exist in the figure’s hands. A conflict between inner and outer forces upon the figure remain an undercurrent in his work; for example in this show, Madonna shows figures stuck in tar-like subway floors contrasted with monumental figures being refined in clarifying moments of history.
Madonna’s expressive painting technique amplifies the physical conflict over personal agency, both historically and contemporaneously, to extract meaning. Looking forward, his work captures transcendental ideals embodied by men and women who had, at points in history, conquered the frailties of human nature.
SPECIAL EVENT
Saturday, June 18th – 10am “Coffee and Conversation with the Artist”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Madonna received his BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and his MFA from Hunter College. He has shown work in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Delaware, and was included in DVAA’s 2021 exhibition Love in the Time of Covid.
Brian currently lives and works in Philadelphia with his wife.
