Artist Giovanni Tresso: “Thief of Moments”

Starting July 1st, Agora Gallery in New York City presents “Mirrors, a Story of 7 Portraits” by the Italian artist Giovanni B. Tresso. However, Giovanni doesn’t describe himself as an artist but rather “A thief. A thief of moments.”

This quote speaks to his process, which includes a mix of photography and painting. First, he sits with each person for hours to capture their micro-expressions. Establishing a personable connection with the subjects is its own process-the trick is to catch them off-guard. For this work, he used his lifelong friends. The intimacy from growing, celebrating, and living together contributes to the essence of the individual felt in the portraits.

After photography, he furthers the acrylic medium by combining brushes and palette knives. The final composition is three-dimensional and tactile, presenting his aesthetic using only two colors for each piece. A variety of tones for all seven faces complement one another while remaining distinct for the individual. The Gallery features this exhibit until July 21st, hosting a special reception on July 6th.

Tannis Norton