Jon Petro
Jon Petro works intuitively from representational imagery to create densely layered all-over abstract images which “plug into this idea of infinite space.” Like the American Abstract Expressionists, Petro loses himself in a process of obsessive painting dependent on focused energy, intense layering and repetition. Unlike his predecessors however, Petro begins by culling photographs from newspapers or other publications, and his work is directly influenced by their subjects. The initial representational imagery is soon buried beneath thick spirals of paint, which reference states of energy, galaxies in the void, and his belief in an underlying force that connects the universe. These complex layers fill the entirety of each canvas with a frenzied energy that reflects Petro’s gestural process and his state of mind. The resulting depth created by the overall texture lures the viewer into a meditative state, suggesting an absence of time. In addition, Petro’s titles refer to his personal experiences and do not directly relate to the imagery in the painting itself. One exception is the patriotic red, white, and blue painting, Sitting Ducks, which began with an image of the American flag. The title reveals anxiety about the threat of terrorism in contemporary society.
Jon Petro resides in Worcester, MA
Image: Jon Petro, Sitting Ducks, 2006, 84” x 22”, acrylic on canvas, Lent by the Artist
