Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Altadonna.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in a small, very religious town, in Pennsylvania called Lancaster. My parents moved there from Philadelphia when I was a baby. I felt like an outcast most of my life, never able to fit into this quiet, reserved town. Often, I was picked on and bullied, mostly because I am incredibly loud, talkative and outgoing. These experiences, though painful, truly shaped and fueled the artwork that I make today. My artwork is personal and anecdotal; however, it also acts as a social critique on how our society propagates bullying, and more specifically “mean girl policing.”
I received my BFA in drawing and painting from Penn State University and went on to get my Master of Fine art, from Stony Brook University, in New York. I am currently living in Philadelphia, PA working as a full-time artist. However, I primarily exhibit my work on the west coast, specifically, in San Diego, LA as well as Seattle, WA.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a fine artist working in the style known as Magical Realism. My art is primarily painting, often switching between watercolor and oil. I love the style of Magical Realism because it helps me to really convey my message, allowing the art to have a narrative and a voice of its own. Adding surrealist elements, I am able to personify my inner thoughts and emotions. Also, my work pairs the grotesque with the beautiful, in order to subtly portray unease, dread, or gloom.
I often use art as a form of personal therapy, it helps me deal with the painful memories of my past. However, I hope and strive for my work to speak to the viewer, for them to come away with their own thoughts and experience. Female bullying, differs from male, because it is hidden, secretive, and manipulative; it isn’t outwardly physical, it is more psychological. For these reasons, it often goes unnoticed, allowing it to burn and fester inside our heads. My work tries to bring those feelings to light as well as make others aware of the long-term damage these experiences can leave on a woman.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
My work specifically centers on the pressures our society places on young women and unfortunately that climate has not yet changed, if anything it’s gotten worse in the advent of the Kardashians and social media. I do not truly delve into global politics, so these events have not yet affected my artwork. I know many artists are working in that arena, and I see and support their efforts to make their voices and opinions known, but I believe our society can be pretty blind to their plight. The role of artists, in my mind, has not changed; artwork has always been a visual depiction of the time in which it was made, whether that be used as religious or political propaganda or social injustice, artists are always there to chronicle or even predict their surroundings. Our job, if done well, is to innovate, inspire and unite always.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The best places to view my work are on my website, www.ginaaltadonna.com and my Instagram, @ginaaltadonna. I am also exhibiting my work throughout the year, my upcoming exhibitions are: “Lunar Forces” at Statix Gallery in Seattle, WA, opening May 3rd, “Sweet Shop” at Gristle Art Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, Opening May 12th, “Women Painting Women” at AFA Gallery in Scranton, PA, opening July 6, “Phobos and Deimos” at Gristle Art Gallery, in Brooklyn, NY, opening July 14.
The best way to support my work would be to purchase work through the above mentioned galleries, as well as to simply follow me on Instagram, like, comment and share my work so that it may reach a wider audience. Even the smallest amount of support can greatly help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ginaaltadonna.com
- Email: gca5007@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ginaaltadonna
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ginaaltadonna
Image Credit:
Gina Altadonna
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