Giovanni B. Tresso: Mirrors, the Story of 7 Portraits

July 1 - July 21, 2023 | Reception: July 6, 2023, 6-8 PM

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Agora Gallery is pleased to announce Giovanni B. Tresso: Mirrors, the Story of 7 Portraits, the artist’s inaugural solo exhibition in New York, presenting a collection of seven large-scale acrylic portraits.

The seven captivating faces portrayed by Tresso are his lifelong friends, who have traversed the tapestry of life alongside him. Born in the same year, in their homeland, they grew up together, experiencing the pivotal milestones that shape the course of one's existence. From their first steps in elementary school to the uncertainties of adolescence, Tresso's narrative unfolds with a mesmerizing blend of nostalgia and familiarity.

Through Tresso's artistry, the essence of each friend is captured with profound authenticity. Blending photography and painting, the artist painstakingly captures countless images of his subjects, aiming to uncover the raw truth that lies within. As he establishes an intimate connection with each individual, their souls are laid bare on the canvas, free from any filters or pretenses. The resulting portraits reveal not only the physical features but also the intricate layers of their personalities, immortalizing their essence for eternity.

“I am a thief, a thief of moments,” Tresso admits. “I steal those in which the truth of a face is kept and I hand them over to the future where [...] anyone can sense the essence of who the person was, the dreams, thoughts, emotions, longings, anxieties, and hopes, summed up in the expression of a glance, an instant worth eternity.”