The Drawers - Ed Giordano Jr. Commentary written by Julie Oakes
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The combination of virility and impotence creates a push and pull in Ed Giordano's sculptures and drawings. Seemingly attached to the irony, his sculpture describes a common condition. They are rendered in common materials plaster and wood. In Father Domine, the mouth has been replaced by a sealed megaphone. The body is bulky. It is starchy white with a flaky red (shame) falling on the shoulders. He has - not one - but many chips on his shoulders. His hands are pressed against his sides, glued to his body with no definable fingers. Within each work there is a potential for rejection even though these sculptures are appealing or seductive. Their bulkiness is attractive for there is an energy lying beneath the surface that is straining to bust out. The viewer is able to empathize with the burden, frustration, humiliation or shame. One bulky figure is imprisoned by a massive block of chunky wood like the world pressing in upon him.
The work is not, despite the
immobility of the figures, distanced. But they are often too “pinned” to
make contact. This angst yanks on the heartstrings. It is identifiable and
yes - we are attracted to that which we understand. But there is a visionary
strength in the “pinned” message. There is a purity and naiveté. There is a
sense of humor. These figures are endearing. In fact, they're lovable.
They're memorable. They're hideously attractive. Copyright © 2006, Headbones Gallery, The Drawers |