Tuesday, April 18, 2006

"Identity Theft" of Italian American by Antonio Petracca at NYC Exhibition- April 26th- June 16th

The ANNOTICO Report

 

Antonio Petracca, contemporary Italian American artist is to be commended, saluted, and exalted!!!!

 

Petracca deserves the unbridled support of not only those Italian Americans that can easily visit the Museum, but those Italian American Organizations NATION WIDE that should sponsor this Exhibition in THEIR City!!!!!!  Otherwise, it is a Grand Opportunity WASTED!!!! 

 

"Identity Theft" questions  the use of the stereotype in our culture and how it subtlety taints the Italian immigrant's self image and psyche and that of their descendents living in America today.

 

 Petracca explores the negative stereotypes attributed to the Italian American individual by popular media, television, film, and newspaper articles. Petracca's intent to question his audience's assumptions concerning the possible belief that all Italian Americans are somehow crime related is expressed poignantly in one of the paintings on view.

 

"78 Percent" depicts a shadowy figure of Frank Sinatra. This narrative was inspired by the result of a survey that illustrated that 78% of Americans polled believe that the Italian American identity is defined by its direct relationship to organized crime.

 

 

"IDENTITY THEFT"

 

Presented by Italian American Museum 

April 26th through June 16th, 2006

 

New York, April 14, 2006 - "Identity Theft", an exhibition of original paintings and prints by contemporary Italian American artist Antonio

Petracca opens on April 26th at 10 a.m., and debuts Petracca's new series "Pompeii Overlay Tagged".

 

The exhibition will remain on view through June 16, 2006.

 

Maria Cocchiarelli, Curator of Collections for the Italian American Museum, organized this exhibition. A full color 24-page catalogue with a

contributing essay by Dr. Marianne Berardi, author and contemporary critic, and an interview with the artist accompanies the exhibition. All works in the exhibition are fully illustrated in this catalogue which have developed from Petracca's previous series of works entitled, "These are not my Shoes".

 

In both bodies of work Petracca explores the negative stereotypes attributed to the Italian American individual by popular media, television, film, and newspaper articles. Petracca's intent to question his audience's assumptions concerning the possible belief that all Italian Americans are somehow crime related is expressed poignantly in one of the paintings on view.

 

"78 Percent" depicts a shadowy figure of Frank Sinatra deliberately composed ambiguously through the use of sfumato. This narrative was inspired by the result of a survey that illustrated 78% polled believe that the Italian American identity is defined by its direct relationship to organized crime.

 

This painting is part of "These are not my Shoes", series as are two other paintings and three prints presented in this exhibition.

 

Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, President of the Museum, stated, "Antonio Petracca presents throughout a unique perspective how Italian Americans are viewed by themselves and others in our society. His work makes a statement and asks the questions, Is this who we are? Is this how we want to be seen? As we move forward into the twenty-first century, it is these questions and exhibitions like this which will help us to define ourselves."

 

For the first time in New York City, Antonio Petracca will be debuting his new works "Pompeii Overlay Tagged". The one painting and six archival prints were all inspired by a recent trip to the ancient city of Pompeii, in Southern Italy. In these, Mr. Petracca has expanded his repertoire to a new level of conceptual relevance for today's audience. He employs the overlay of photographic elements with incorporated text, and appropriated images combining these elements to fully elaborate his viewpoint.

 

In all of the new "Pompeii Overlay Tagged" works Petracca expresses a similar absurdity by juxtaposing elements we would normally not see combined within the same work of art.

 

Petracca's viewpoint is not an easy one to define, as he emphatically states he is not intending to be didactic in any way. His position is to begin a dialogue with his audience - not - tell them what to think. The possible outcome after viewing his exhibition "Identity Theft" is to question the use of the stereotype in our culture and how it subtlety taints the Italian immigrant's self image and psyche and their descendents living in America today.

 

"Pompeii Overlay Tagged" echoes Petracca's interests while simultaneously suggesting that the Italian American may be surprised to learn how sophisticated, prolific, and talented some of our ancient ancestors were, such as the Pompeians. Petracca's intention as a thoughtful contemporary artist responding to the world he inhabits has created an entertaining exhibition worth viewing.

 

Public Program: On May 24th at 6:00 pm Antonio Petracca will lead the visitor through his exhibition, followed by an artist led discussion of his

work.

 

The Italian American Museum is the first museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the cultural and social contributions of Italian Americans to the American way of life. The "Identity Theft " exhibit will be open to the public from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. or by appointment (212-642-2020) .

 

The Italian American Museum is located at  28 West 44th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, on the 17th floor.

 

 

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