Review by Rita Cerciello (Curator for Gagosian)
Dear Rob, looking at your portfolio it is clear that you have a mastery of landscapes. I like the harmonious balance between color, form, and texture. The use of color in particular is striking, yours palette carries a rich depth that gives a sense of both the stillness and movement of nature. I am particularly fascinated by the colors transition especially in pieces like “October Air” where the soft colours of the autumn evoke both nostalgia and calm. Your landscapes feel like a delicate whisper of the natural world, with an almost dreaming quality.... The textural application of paint, particularly in “Winter in Watercolors”, speaks to an intimate knowledge of material, with the brushstrokes adding a tangible quality to the atmospheric effects of winter. The combination of these qualities reveal your command of your medium.
It is also clear your ability to experiment with various sizes and compositions without ever compromising the feeling of intimacy of the landscape. I appreciate the varied scale of your works from the more compact “Tall Trees” to “Listen to the Wind”, each piece feels deliberate and considered. The framing, while minimalistic breathe within the composition, inviting us to step into the scene. like in “Above the Treelines”, where the viewer's gaze is caught by the wind.
Artistically,your portfolio resonates deeply with me, especially because it reminds me of the works of Chagall and Klimt which I adore where there is an ethereal blend of realism and imagination. The surreal elements he incorporates into his landscapes, combined with the atmospheric qualities, echo the dreaming visions that often appear in Italian art, I am thinking of the romantic, imaginative landscapes in the work of Giorgio de Chirico who mixes dreamscapes and reality. Really I think your work doesn’t simply depict landscapes, it invites the us to inhabit your artworks... For example, “Flying High in the Friendly Sky” offers a sense of liberation and lightness, where the composition seems to float above the earth, evoking a sense of freedom and elevation.
Rob, your portfolio is brilliant and unique though I think there is still room for growth in your exploration of narrative within his landscape...While the dreamlike quality is beautiful, I would focus on a deeper narrative to enhance the connection between the viewer and the natural worlds you paint. One suggestion would be to look into the works of Chagall but also Italian masters such as the atmospheric landscapes of Canaletto, which combine precise detail with a deep sense of space and light.
I also see a strong connection to Italian art through the intensity of color and composition. Asan Italian curator, and it makes your work feel familiar, yet uniquely personal.
In terms of the art market, I believe your work is appealing to both traditional and contemporary art buyers. Your exploration of landscape is something many collectors will resonate with, especially those with an affinity for imaginative realism. Your prices reflect the quality and uniqueness of your work ands they are aligned to the market They position you in the mid-tier art market, appealing to collectors looking for distinctive but accessible pieces.
There is potential to expand his reach by tapping into international markets participating to art fairs.. by the way in milan it has just started MIART, but aldo Frieze Art, Art Basel.. Your work would resonate particularly well with collectors who enjoy the poetic, emotive qualities of landscape art, and who value a sense of place and atmosphere in their collection. I believe there is also an opportunity for you to explore gallery exhibitions, especially those focusing on modern European art, where your technique and themes could garner more attention. It is important to be present even in small galleries around the world, trusting well known curators and gallerists.