It’s easy to overlook a rundown vessel sitting in a marina waiting for some TLC, but artist Michele Dragonetti’s Under the Surface at Roman Fine Art takes that humble object and captures its striking simplicity. The exhibition revolves around the artist’s Boat Hull series and will mark her first solo show at the East Hampton-based gallery.
“I’m excited to be working with Roman Fine Art,” Dragonetti shared. “Under The Surface will feature some of the classic images from the series, with some work in larger formats for the first time.”
Dragonetti began the series in Montauk and from there she’s found inspiration from the hulls of boats worldwide, taking a particular interest in the compositions of the triangular patterns of the hulls, recording them in a square format.
“I continue to expand the series, having visited Cuba and Argentina this year (after shooting in London, Spain, and Portugal last year) and the show will feature a new piece from my trip to Buenos Aires just last month,” Dragonetti noted. “As always, so much of this series is about taking a moment to appreciate the unexpected or the not immediately obvious, and the expression of the abundantly unique within a fixed construct.”
As the series expands, Dragonetti continues to diversify her documentation of varied compositions and hues, celebrating the imperfect appeal of the spectacular portraits.
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Poor Dossy and Waterline. (Courtesy Photos) |
“It’s important to take the time for deeper observation versus relying on established expectations,” Dragonetti added.
Dragonetti resides in Amagansett and New York City. Her work has appeared in several gallery shows, and has been showcased at art fairs including Art New York, Market Art + Design and Aqua Art Miami. This past summer the East Hampton Marine Museum featured her series in a solo exhibition.
Under the Surface will be on view Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 29. An opening reception will take place on Saturday, October 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Roman Fine Art is located at 66 Park Place in East Hampton. For more information, visit romanfineart.com.
