ARDEN + WHITE GALLERY is pleased to announce, Being Horizons, a solo presentation of work by Luke Diiorio whose work harmoniously bridges painting and sculpture. Diiorio’s practice delves into materiality and visibility, engaging with minimalism and abstraction to investigate themes of repetition, seriality, and monochrome. Through these elements, Diiorio navigates the constraints that shape form and material, not with the intent to expand their potential but to cultivate an awareness of the boundaries that define them.
In this exhibition, Diiorio’s exploration of the history of painting is manifested through his use of curved panels, which replace the traditional rectangular canvas. These panels serve a dual purpose—they are both the structure and the field, where color and form coalesce into a singular experience. However, Diiorio’s work transcends the physical aspects of shape, color, and material, reflecting on the broader trajectory of painting itself, and exploring the boundaries between the conceptual and the tangible. As the artist notes, “I want these paintings to communicate change, oneness, and becoming.” This concept of unity within separation is a central theme, as the paintings exist together yet independently, echoing the complex relationship between individuality and community.
A deeper understanding of the synergy between Diiorio’s concepts and his creations emerges through the thoughtful selection of titles for his individual works. Two of the central works in the exhibition, Hema I and Hema II, draw on Diiorio's profound connection to Greek culture. The word "Hema," meaning "blood" in Greek, symbolizes both familial ties and a broader sense of belonging. These titles reflect the artist's personal life, particularly his Greek wife and children, underscoring the importance of family and ancient Greek philosophy in his artistic practice. Through these works, Diiorio embodies the interconnectedness of personal and cultural identities, weaving them into the fabric of his art.
Another significant piece, Something for Somebody, is a large, multicolored paneled work that highlights Diiorio’s exploration of ambiguity and specificity. This title reflects the nuanced relationships within a community, where individual experiences and shared connections coexist, emphasizing the delicate balance between personal identity and collective belonging.
The concept of togetherness within separateness is further explored in Doodem, an indigenous term meaning "clan" or "family." This title captures the evolution of abstract social meanings into tangible, physical forms, much like Diiorio’s transformation of conceptual ideas into physical art. These works convey a sense of collective identity while maintaining individual distinctiveness, mirroring the dynamic interplay between community and self.
Diiorio’s titles are not just labels; they are integral to the experience of his art, guiding the viewer to a deeper understanding of the themes of change, oneness, and becoming that permeate his work. The titles, like the paintings themselves, offer a meditation on the interconnectedness of identity, culture, and the evolving nature of artistic expression.
When entering the gallery, one only sees a room of white and red paintings. Lion in a Coma II, 2024, a vibrant yellow painting, subtly reveals itself just beyond the initial sightline upon entering the space as an intentional placement inviting viewers to reconsider their first impressions, aligning with the artist’s philosophical inquiries. The transition into a secondary space, where a vibrant array of mixed panels with contrasting colors awaits, further underscores the exhibition’s exploration of change and unity. The arrangement of these works within the gallery space enhances Diiorio’s reflections on the history of painting, where ideas and physical forms, though originating from the same source, diverge into distinct planes of existence. This mirrors the contemporary condition of living in extremes—where connectivity and isolation coexist, reflecting both togetherness and separateness. Diiorio’s paintings communicate this duality, offering a meditation on change, oneness, and the process of becoming.
Diiorio’s background in philosophy is evident in his meticulous approach to his work, where he skillfully balances the physical act of painting with the conceptual ideas that inspire and inform it. “I always feel inclined to be aware of the separation between the act of painting and the ideas of the artist. This expands the practice of painting, in my opinion. Painting has always pushed to be more than just illustrating ideas.” — Diiorio
Diiorio draws inspiration from Terence McKenna’s words: “Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles... This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it's a feather bed.” This quote, like Diiorio’s work, invites viewers to embrace the unknown with courage, discovering new dimensions within the familiar.
Being Horizons invites viewers to explore the profound questions of art, existence, and perception through the lens of an artist who deftly navigates the space between concept and creation, and between the themes of unity and individuality.
A reception with the artist will be held Saturday, September 7th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.
