A BRUSH WITH REALITY

Robert Forte

November 5 – November 23, 2019
Opening Reception: November 7th, 5:30 PM-8 PM

Atlantic Gallery announces the opening of a solo exhibition of new works by Massachusetts-based artist, Robert Forte. “Forte”, from the Latin “fortis”, is a word used to convey strength, and that is an apt description of this show. As the title “A Brush With Reality” indicates, Forte is inspired by reality, but his style of painting departs from realism. The artist here takes a look at widely controversial and difficult issues and transforms them with a brush of imagination.

Forte’s social consciousness is deeply ingrained in his background. Never disengaged from his love of painting, this artist also pursued a career in the law. His paintings traverse subjects such as discrimination based on race, sex and sexual orientation; climate change; the immigration crisis; economic inequality; and the #MeTooMovement.

Although the resulting canvases might have foundered on cliche or shock value, Forte never lets the viewer forget that beauty can be an equally, if not more, effective tool. The paintings are colorful; the images fill the canvases in ways that draw you in rather than repel. There is a sense of playfulness as well. On the topic of climate change, for example, Forte gives the polluters a simian-like character in the painting titled “The Pipeline Harvesters”. In the politically satirical painting titled “Blue Wave”, red-clad swimmers frantically flee the oncoming blue deluge.

In sum, this show is pertinent to our times and highly individual. Much of Forte’s work is in the hands of private collectors. The current work opens up new vistas for public viewing.

Website: robertforte.com