Where the Wild Things Roam

by John Grande

“In my studio practice, I hold the belief that much has been explored within the realm of art history, and as such, I find myself drawn to the idea of remixing and reinterpreting existing artistic narratives ideas and styles in my own unique way. My primary focus and the anchoring element in my work is the presence of my hand, rather than adhering to a particular style. This philosophy provides me with the freedom to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, unconstrained by the limitations of a specific aesthetic. It allows for a dynamic and evolving creative process, enabling me to continuously experiment and push boundaries. My studio practice is deeply rooted in culture, art history, and the spirit of our times. My work reflects a dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation. A brief description of my recent works: In my recent body of work, I blend twenty-five years of studio practice into elaborate, thought-provoking three-dimensional wall sculptures and painted sculptures. By pushing the boundaries between painting and sculpture, I create immersive compositions that shift with perspective and form. Through layered materials and textures, I explore how spatial relationships evoke emotion and meaning, inviting viewers to engage beyond the surface. Each piece becomes a dynamic exploration of perception, where structure and abstraction merge into a visual dialogue. This approach allows me to seamlessly blend representational, abstract concepts and embedded texts with spatial depth, resulting in complex, multi- layered imagery that reveals itself over time. I am employing vibrant colors, sharp contrasts, and multi-layered surfaces to create an interplay of texture and depth that invites viewers to engage from multiple perspectives. Each piece embodies a dynamic conceptual approach, blurring boundaries between disciplines while evoking both personal and collective narratives.”