Alberto Pazzi - An Enchanted Garden (2024), acrylic on canvas, 72 x 86 inches

“Apple of My Eye” is an exhibition of new paintings by Alberto Pazzi. Shown exclusively at Stumptown Coffee Roasters as part of their Artist Fellowship, the exhibition will run from March 12th - July 9th, 2024. An opening reception will take place on March 14th from 5:30 - 7 pm at 212b Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201. From the whimsical to the surreal, Pazzi’s latest works transport viewers into a blushing landscape, where the Appel takes center stage.

A symbolic fruit with centuries of interpretations, the apple plays into the artists’ personalized folklore by exploring themes of love, wisdom, temptation, and the fall & redemption of man. Central to Pazzi's exploration is the symbolism of the apple, from its association with the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden to the idiom "to bite the apple," signifying engaging in work. This overarching theme ties the series together, creating a cohesive narrative that unfolds through each whimsical brushstroke.

Pazzi’s creative process begins by piecing together unrelated sketches like a giant puzzle. The outcome is a series of paintings where elements float, defy gravity, and play with perspective. Cherries, ice cream, beverages, and, of course, apples are recurring motifs, blending seamlessly with the artist's imaginative vision. Drawing inspiration from the American Pop Art era, advertisements from the 1950s, and the vibrant hues of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” the artist’s intention is to examine nostalgia and playfulness.

"Apple of my Eye" is a departure from Pazzi's previous minimalistic depictions, as he allows himself to be more playful, infusing his paintings with a sugary, molasses-like quality. The result is a collection that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers to rediscover the joy in the familiar.