The Occasion Painting

Fontaine Scarelli Chicago-born and raised, Fontaine Scarelli is an abstract expressionist painter whose work electrifies the art world with a blend of raw emotion and philosophical depth. A former fashion design student, Scarelli made an unconventional leap into painting, bringing with him a sense of defiant creativity and a visual language that’s entirely his own. Scarelli’s canvases, often large-scale and immersive, pull viewers into a narrative space where time, memory, and perception collide. Drawing on influences from post-apocalyptic films, The Twilight Zone, and a solitary upbringing, his work speaks to existential themes of life, death, and the dissonance between reality and illusion. Each piece channels his fascination with the strange and the sublime, blending rebellion and introspection in a way that defies traditional boundaries. This past year has seen Scarelli’s career take off, with solo exhibitions, collaborations with influential galleries like Virgil Catherine and Loisir Art Gallery, and a debut at Miami Art Basel through Luminaire. His pieces have graced spaces from Saks Fifth Avenue to design studios, and he’s been featured on Amy Kartheiser’s ‘Meet the Maker’ series, all solidifying his standing as a rising force in abstract art. For Scarelli, every brushstroke is a form of self-discovery—a narrative of both solitude and universal experience that resonates deeply with those who seek something beyond the ordinary. Whether working with private clients or bringing new audiences into his vibrant visions, Scarelli’s art doesn’t just invite you to look; it challenges you to question what you think you know about reality.