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Medici Explores Darker Side in New F.E.A.R. Series

Los Angeles-based artist George Medici’s affinity for texture is evident in his new “F.E.A.R.” series.

“Not too long go I hit a dark and gloomy space in my life,” said Medici last year as he was completing his third installment of his “F.E.A.R.” series. “The truth is Covid had nothing to do with it. I felt more angry and afraid than I ever did before and needed to express those feelings on a canvas.”

Completed in July 2022, the “F.E.A.R” series is comprised of three separate works each 64″ x 48″ x 2.5.” With the color black as a common theme throughout, the paintings primarily are textured acrylic on hard canvas, but also include mixed media elements that represent the artist’s spiritual journey.

“Like all my works, the process was quite cathartic,” the artist added. “I feel like I came out the other side better and now dealing with the residual effects of that experience. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, however, it just may have an impact on my art from now on. I guess we’ll see.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planting Hope with Mugshot Coffee Roasters

Echo Park in Los Angeles has many great things to offer. And one of them is Mugshot Coffee Roasters. 

Medici recently visited the java shop to “plant” some hope in the central Los Angeles neighborhood as part of his ongoing #Planthope installation.

Medici’s ongoing #PlantHope series features original “bulbs” that are used as a metaphor for planting an idea, like hope. The artist envisions passersby who see these artworks will take a photo and share it across their social platforms with the hashtag #planthope. With glow in the dark lettering, these art pieces are visible at night as well.

“You plant a bulb, and something grows,” says Medici. “Together, we all can grow hope by sharing, albeit virtually.”

Medici’s #PlantPride Recognizes LGBT+ Pride Month

This June’s Pride Month comes at a pivotal time. A coronavirus mixed with riots and mass protest may further point the country toward greater equality and justice for all.

Amid the brouhaha between Black Lives Matter and organizers of LA Pride, the latest “bulb” installation brings together both causes after a planned solidarity march failed to materialize.

#Plantpride is a temporary mixed media limited series. The concept being that if people see these “bulbs” in a public place or online, they will be inspired to share the image across social media including Instagram with the hashtag #plantpride. 

“You plant a bulb, and something grows,” Medici previously stated referring his #Planthope series. “Maybe #Plantpride can help grow both movements in the hearts and minds of people in Los Angeles and across the country.”

Vist Medici’s Instagram page at ArtofMedici for more information and to see more videos and photos of the artist’s work.

 

Medici’s Rage Sign of the Times

Constructed in his own “Dexter” room, Medici’s “Rage” captures the artist’s own inner struggle with the emotion, but also gives a nod to society’s current temperament.

The 48″ x 48″ acrylic on canvas abstract painting shows the progression of an underlying siege of fury that can erupt at a moment’s notice.

“The process started out pretty intense but ultimately became more cathartic as the piece moved toward completion,” said Medici.

Medici fabricated a 6′ x 6′ fully enclosed plastic chamber to paint “Rage” using a combination of aggressive splatter techniques.

“Having my own ‘Dexter’ room was a lot of fun,” quipped Medici. “It certainly was functional and there was so much paint all over. But it did provide a perspective I don’t think I could have achieved without it.”

Medici’s “Rage” is art imitating life in its truest form, serving as a reminder of the dangers of deep rooted anger when it takes hold in the minds and hearts of people.

Medici’s Ode to Spectrum Inspired by Ellsworth Kelly

George Medici’s first impression of Ellsworth Kelly’s Spectrum V was profound to say the least.

Medici first came across Kelly’s 1969 13-panel iconic color field painting as a college student when he worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, decades before he produced his first work.

“I wasn’t interested in making art while I was in college,” quipped Medici. “But I was surrounded by all of the historic works at The Met and naturally gravitated to the Modern Art wing where I first saw Kelly’s Spectrum V series. Needless to say I was mesmerized at first sight.”

Inspired by Kelly’s work, Medici introduced Ode to Spectrum, a seven-panel acrylic on canvas series. The 2′ X 4′ textured paintings layer in multiple shades of each color throughout the light spectrum.

“I didn’t realize it was fifty years ago Spectrum V was first introduced,” added Medici. “Maybe it is coincidence or serendipitous. Ode to Spectrum pays homage to this great artist who continues to inspire me.”

Redwood Finally Hangs in NYC

One of the artist’s first commissioned works, Redwood (acrylic on canvas, 44″ x 64″ x 3″), is now proudly displayed in a New York City home.

The artwork was shipped from Los Angeles in the fall of last year to Medici’s long-time friend and former business partner.

Remodeling kept the abstract piece in storage until last week, when the artist visited his home town in New York.

“Not only did I get to visit a best friend but I helped hang the actual artwork,” quipped Medici. “There’s something so fulfilling about seeing your painting hang on someone’s wall. And having the buyer say it brings them so much job is wonderfully indescribable.”

The artwork represents Medici’s recent desire to have more texture in his paintings, evident in other works such as Tree on a Cloudy Day, Lava Sky and his Elements series.