New York, NY – February 18, 2025 – GR Gallery is excited to announce the opening of “Hidden Lights,” a captivating solo exhibition featuring the work of renowned Italian visual artist Geppy Pisanelli. Following the success of his 2023 group exhibition “Dreaming Awake” at GR Gallery, Pisanelli’s latest series delves into the complex relationship between nature and artifice, presenting viewers with a thought-provoking exploration of these themes.
In “Hidden Lights,” Pisanelli juxtaposes natural elements—such as trees, mountains, and waterfalls—with artificial constructs like minimal structures and artificial lighting. This contrast not only highlights the tension between the organic and the manufactured but also evokes a sense of alienation, both visually and intellectually. The exhibition’s title itself serves as an oxymoron, suggesting a paradox where light, typically associated with clarity and visibility, is described as hidden. This duality is reflected in the compositions, which create a layered effect of visibility and obscurity.
Pisanelli’s artistic research is rooted in exploring painting as a profound medium of communication. He aims to push and reformulate the boundaries of pictorial narration and formal composition, crafting a distinctive visual language that resonates with contemporary audiences. His works often feature “threshold images” that invite viewers to engage with the narrative and symbolic dimensions of the visual world, reflecting on themes of abandonment and hope, solitude and community.
Established in 2016 and situated on the Bowery in downtown Manhattan, GR Gallery plays a vital role in the New York contemporary art scene. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing multigenerational artists who explore various media with a dynamic approach to chromatic vibration and borderless figuration. Hosting an average of ten exhibitions annually, GR Gallery supports artists in expanding their work globally while contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City.
Pisanelli’s work engages with the interplay of light and darkness as a metaphor for the human condition. His paintings depict external landscapes that mirror internal experiences, resonating with contemporary global challenges such as pandemics, migrations, wars, and climate change. The artist draws inspiration from the prophetic insights of writer David H. Lawrence, who spoke of resilience and renewal amidst devastation, encapsulating the spirit of his latest works.
Geppy Pisanelli (b. 1971) is known for his exploration of painting as a communication medium, drawing from his Italian Pictorial Cultural Identity. His solo exhibitions in the U.S. include notable venues such as Chelsea West Gallery, Kips Gallery, and Casa Italiana Zerrilli-Marimò at New York University. In Italy, he has exhibited at prestigious locations including the Royal Palace of Caserta and PAN Palazzo delle Arti Napoli. Pisanelli currently lives and works between Naples and New York.
“Hidden Lights” promises to offer an immersive experience that not only challenges perceptions but also inspires deep reflection on the interplay of nature, artifice, and the human experience.