Warriors

Varriano stands before a work in progress from his new collection of abstract oil paintings.   A group of powerful,  preternatural warrior angels is a prominent part of this provocative new series.

Varriano’s command of abstract oil painting is otherworldly. He gives his audience a masterful outpouring of explosive forms, shapes, and textures counterbalanced by stark discipline, containment, and restrain. Varriano handles paint and the transmission of ideas with exceptional “grace,” leading one to conclude the higher worlds he captures are his natural habitat. Rather than shock and awe, Varriano delivers only awe. 

Mystical Stirrings

Exploring Varriano’s painting, “Magi,” one is not quite sure whether they have stumbled upon some secret and revelatory text from long ago, or if they are witnessing a new rising  of the eternal symbols that bubble up through the ages. The artist casts a spell with spiraling lines and swirling shapes that are reminiscent of an alchemist’s apothecary with its potent potions and magical charms.   Interlocking shapes, geometric patterns, bold colors, and dynamic lines add to the mystical quality of the work.

Varriano has a way with color that excites and subdues simultaneously.  He uses color the way gifted writers use their words to draw the viewer in and communicate a profound message. We find deep blues serving as the foundation upon which brilliant warm colors dance. In particular, the red and orange tones are rich and varied. The white shapes appear to vibrate against the dark background.

While creating this work Varriano desired the effect of in-laid crusted jewels. He achieved this result by mixing oil paints with egg yolks to form an emulsion. This old and time-tested technique seemed appropriate for such a work of art. Varriano used a palette knife to lay the paint on the canvas thickly, which seems to enhance the vibrating movement the work.