The Deluge Painting

Artist Statement by Salvatore Cerceo I am Salvatore Cerceo, an artist based in Philadelphia, where I dedicate myself to the creation of paintings and sculptures that are both figurative and expressionistic, occasionally embracing the surreal. My technique is at the heart of my practice, where the process of making art is as significant as the art itself. In my paintings, I employ a range of techniques from bold, gestural brushwork to fine, detailed layering, allowing emotional depth and narrative to emerge through texture and color. My expressionistic approach often involves thick impasto, where the physicality of paint reflects the intensity of the subject matter. I play with light and shadow to sculpt form on the canvas, giving life to figures that seem to breathe and move. My sculptural work involves a meticulous process of material experimentation. I work with diverse mediums, from traditional clay and bronze to more unconventional materials, to achieve forms that convey movement and emotion. The technique of assemblage, where I combine different elements, often leads to surreal compositions that challenge the viewer's perception of reality. The process is not just about the end product but about exploring the potential of each medium, pushing its limits to see how far I can stretch traditional techniques into new expressions. In my Philadelphia studio, every piece is an experiment in technique, where each stroke, cut, or mold is a step in a journey of artistic discovery. Through my work, I aim to showcase the beauty and complexity of technique as a means to evoke thought, emotion, and wonder.