Untold Myths

By Paul Rienzo

September 6th – October 6th

(Opening Reception September 6th 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

 

Paul’s work explores archetypal themes found in stories across cultures and historical periods. Objects laden with
symbolic power are presented in a bold photorealistic style while referencing the traditional still life genre. Anything may be used to advance the narrative of a painting, such as a toy, a flower, an antique bronze sculpture, a book end, blown glass vase or tribal mask.

Together, the paintings are evocative. They tell of a universal human experience by expressing ideas, emotions, themes and narratives that recur across time and cultures. These archetypes persist because they reflect fundamental aspects of human psychology and our relationship with the world. The work makes the case that, beneath the surface, our stories are interconnected.

Art emerged from myths. The gods, stories, and legends from ancient communities were depicted by paintings and sculpture, making the unseen real. Mythical and spiritual subject matter has been a primary concern for art for most of history.

Myth seems hardwired into our DNA. Joseph Campbell, author of the Masks of God, argued that science spent the last few

hundred years dispelling myths, and observed a modern hunger for them more than 30 years ago. And it has only grown since then. It is evident in blockbuster movies we watch (i.e., Avengers, Avatar), the games we play (i.e., Warcraft), and even in wild conspiracies that plague social media and our politics. Severing our connection with myth has driven people to seek fantasy to satisfy that need, or act out against science and factual information.

Paul Rienzo is a Cincinnati local artist. His art has appeared in many publications and has exhibited in galleries around the United States, including a solo exhibition in New York City’s Soho district. Find out more about Paul and his art at his website: https://paulrienzo.com/ Join Paul in celebrating the opening of Untold Myths on Friday, September 6th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Regular gallery hours are Thursday – Sunday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.