Artist Biography

Michael Buscemi creates baroque imagery with minimal means in his complex monochromatic reliefs. Buscemi cuts layers of thick white paper, collaging and layering them into richly patterned, glowing compositions that straddle the division between sculpture and painting. Similar to 18th-century decorative marble bas-reliefs, like those by Jan Baptist Xavery; Buscemi’s works are composed of abstract, gestural elements full of depth, space, form and light. Leaving interpretation open to the viewer, though his flourishes and lyrical titles are suggestive.

Artist Statement

“I am always in search of the spontaneous forms that seem to spring from movement. I find myself always drawn to capture these forms as they emerge, caught in a moment of their evolution. I love the freedom of expression that occurs when a gesture made by me is translated through my brush to the surface I am working with.

This action demands a vigorous honesty that fills me with inspiration and appreciation for the process I am engaging in. When this works well, I am filled with an inner music, the beauty of something simple, yet complex appearing for the first time, being born out of no pre-conception.

The goal in stripping the color out of my work is to make it as primal as possible, to isolate various components: shadow, light, contrast, depth, and movement. I focus heavily on the movement and shapes in a piece rather than the color.”