Magic Carpet (gold over black), 2020. Watercolor with acrylic on handmade Japanese paper, 72 x 51.5 in. Private Collection

Spirit of Eden (2017-2022)

Richard Gabriele’s paintings from the series “Spirit of Eden” build upon Eastern textile motifs, particularly the medallion patterns of antique carpets, symbols of the Garden and Paradise.  Under Gabriele’s hand, the borders become calligraphy that form a labyrinth around the floral heart of each composition. Like mandalas, the designs are cosmic diagrams.

The large-scale watercolors were made with handmade paper from the Iwano paper mill in Japan (run by Japanese Living National Treasure Ichebei Iwano.)  They measure six feet in height and over four feet in width and are mounted on hidden brackets so that the paper floats an inch away from the wall.  The floating effect highlights the feathered edges of the paper which Gabriele achieved by teasing the paper’s fibers.  Many layers of watercolor on the absorbent Japanese paper give each painting’s surface the texture and warmth of an aged textile.

From afar, the pieces look like actual carpets, their age and medium difficult to determine.  As the viewer approaches, they transform into intricate works of contemporary abstraction.

To view samples from the portfolio — click here