John Aquilino

Gallery Affiliations: Fraser Gallery, Marin-Price Gallery, Main Street Gallery

Region: South

The urban landscape has been the focus of my artwork since I moved from New York City to Maryland in 2003. I’m fascinated by the endless patterns of colors and shadows produced by the changing light throughout the day and even at different times of the year.

My goal is not to document a particular city or view but rather I manipulate shapes and shadows to create striking compositions. The colors are exaggerated, the surfaces are simplified, and architectural features are rearranged or eliminated. My work often combines realistic and abstract elements and I find this contrast very interesting.

Many of my paintings depict urban views as seen from parking garages. This perspective offers a certain intimacy; it forces the viewer to look across at the buildings, not down from a building above or up from the street level.