Untitled by Emily Bartolone, 2024 Acrylic on paper 10.5 x 8 inches framed, 7.5 x 5 unframed "Stemming from my infatuation with the formal elements of painting, my work pairs down simple, anthropomorphized shapes in an effort to explore paint and color theory while simultaneously creating tension and humor through color, edges, and texture. In utilizing color theory to create color relationships that result in sensory optical experiences upon viewing, I can trick my viewer into seeing colors as other than themselves, adding a layer of humor to the production of the works. The playful, human qualities of painting are incorporated into the work through the use of amorphous shapes animated within the picture plane. A long, slim shape with rounded off edges starts to feel like an arm. A chunky oval with a modest circle balanced on top begins to resemble a body. A sharp corner and soft curve begin to feel at war with one another. The introduction of curved shapes allows for a push back against the bravado of minimalism and geometric abstraction I have experienced as a female artist in those fields, adding feelings of tension that mimic my own in relation to those ideas." - Emily Bartolone