Joe Nocera

I take an intuitive approach to abstract expressionist painting. In other words, I start with a vague notion of where I want a painting to go, and I add color and pattern to let the painting take me where it wants to go. My paintings often depict scenes of juxtaposition and comparison; I place two or more similar (but not identical) objects in the same environment and allow the viewer to judge their relative value. My interest in nature often has me choosing animals or other organisms as my subjects. I often set these focal points apart, to raise or lower their relative value, by adding subtle challenges or conditions for the subjects. I do this to get the viewer to realize/remember that they are constantly judging things (objects, organisms, people, etc.) by comparison to other things, yet, without looking closely, these judgments are superficial. Only a close look can allow meaningful comparison.

I am mostly a self-taught artist. However, I did an understudy with B. Nichols in Peterborough, ON, (2012-2015). I was also in the Art program at
Connecticut State University (1991-1993, switched to Sciences in 1993).

Solo Exhibitions:
2019 ­ Café Cognito, “Artwork by Joe Nocera - an exhibit,” Moncton, NB.

Group Exhibitions:
2020 – Isaac’s Way Winter-Spring Art Auction #38
2019 – Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery, “Open 2019,” Online.
2019 – Capital $100 or Less Art Sale, “Spring Sale” and “Winter Sale” Fredericton, NB.
2017 – Fredericton Public Library, “Recovery Art Show”, Fredericton, NB.

Honors and Awards:
Special Recognition Award for painting entitled “Depth”. Open 2019 exhibition, Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery.