David Raffini. INSULAE #1

About

“Art is not on the canvas. Art is not in the mind of the viewer. Art is the empty space between the artwork and the spectator.” –David Raffini

“Insulae” is a Latin word that translates to “islands” and is customarily used to refer to the finer physiology of the brain. Raffini adopts this title exactly for its dynamic polysemy, thematically constructing an assemblage of works into a narrative that reconciles modes of isolation and solitude found in densely populated cities while also mirroring the landscape of a despoiled memory.

Raffini’s own process plays on the principle of polysemy by implementing an element of destruction in his creation. He thoughtfully burns away sections of canvas to invoke a frenetic mood and intentionally folds his work to highlight its physical dispensability. These wreckful acts, closely connoted with damage, become key features and instrumental techniques in molding his final vision. He is a demonstrated master of texture and subtle, yet meticulous imagery, producing work that asserts an overlying emotive presence through its unconventional shape and form.