Paul P. (b. 1977) is a noted figurative Canadian artist who has exhibited internationally and is currently represented by Maureen Paley (London).
While the artist is best known for his sensual portraits, landscapes are a significant part of his oeuvre.
In this atmospheric painting, the artist renders as a hazy cityscape full of longing and mystery. The Spanish Steps are one of Rome's most famous places. Built in the early 18th century it remains an iconic and beloved architectural wonder of the city. The Spanish Steps make cameos in an array of media from F. Scott Fitzgerald's book "Tender is the Night" (1933) to Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday" (1953) to a recent Mission: Impossible sequel.
While the location is normally bustling with tourists and locals and is flanked by a number of luxury boutiques, in Paul P.'s depiction the atmosphere is quiet and calm. The artist suggests a soft fog that dissolves the architecture into an impressionist blur. A series of lamp posts punctuate the canvas, emerging as one of the few motifs to come into focus. Two phantom-like male figures are in eyesight of eachother. Are these two nocturnal pedestrians or is the artist portraying something more erotic or dangerous?
Poignant and contemplative, this evocative work captures a fleeting moment of modern life, highlighting the transient and faceless nature of urban dwellings.
To learn more about Paul P. and his interest in Italy and atmospheric landscapes, we recommend exploring the National Gallery of Canada's content for his recent exhibition Amor et Mors
Paul P.'s work was included in the 2014 Whitney Biennial and can be found in the permanent collections of several public collections including the MoMA (NYC), the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), the Glenbow Museum (Calgary), and the Brooklyn Museum.
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"Untitled (Spanish Steps)"
2010
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated by the artist in pencil, verso
10”H 7”W (work)
Framed
Very good condition
Provenance:
Daniel Reich Gallery, New York
Exhibited:
New York, New York, Daniel Reich Gallery, Sherbert in Damascus, October 30 - December 24, 2010
Literature:
Sarah Schmerler, Paul P, Art In America, New York, March 2, 2011
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