"Diffusion Jonathan" | Tony Dagradi

18 July 2019 (New Orleans, LA)  JONATHAN FERRARA GALLERY proudly presents the second solo exhibition of New Orleans based artist, Tony Dagradi. Entitled Diffusion, the exhibition unveils forty-four new, hand cut book sculptures. The new work offers a wide array of imagery in both the subject matter of the books and the stylistic process of the cutting. We see Dagradi’s characteristic work within the context of the original bookcovers (e.g. in “Imperial Series), as well as, a new visual language in grids and three-dimensional sculpture (e.g in the Diffusion series). The exhibition will be on view from 18 July through 30 August 2019 with an opening reception coinciding with the Arts District of New Orleans’ (ADNO) First Saturday Gallery Openings on Saturday 3 August from 5-10 pm in conjunction with Hancock Whitney White Linen Night, an artful block party which attracts upwards of 50,000 patrons to Julia Street.

The gallery will also host a closing reception on the evening of Thursday 29 August from 6-8pm. Astral Project, Dagradi’s award-winning and world renown jazz ensemble which he has served as saxophonist for over 30 years with, will perform within the exhibition space.

The artist says of his continuing artistic practice . . .

My decades long career in contemporary jazz directly informs my work as a visual artist.  Music, for me, has always had a visual component, with the diverse elements of music suggesting colors, shapes and textures.  The juxtaposition of abstract shapes which come together as I work on a book, is very much how I perceive the interplay of melody, harmony and rhythm.  I also feel very strongly that the mathematics and spirituality of music intersect all art forms.

My process in creating sculptural effects with books is continually evolving.  When I first began, I sealed the edges of each book and cut through one page at a time, making choices on the fly as to what images I chose to keep.  As my technical skills progressed and I gained more confidence and experience, I found this to be a somewhat limiting approach; I wanted more flexibility.  In my current preferred method, I harvest the images I am most interested in, then add them back one at a time as the composition emerges.  I still cut away one page at a time, and always work from front to back.  In this way I have greater control over placement of each object as well as the direction of the entire composition.

I enjoy working with many types of books; graphic novels, atlases, scientific texts, technical manuals, etc.  Each represents a different and unique challenge.  I especially relish working with vintage books and encyclopedias.  The eclectic photos and illustrations often represent material that is long out of date yet offer a fascinating window into our past.  At the same time, the quality and condition of the paper itself, often extends its own unique challenge.  Ultimately, I hope to provide a perspective on the transitory nature of what earlier generations understood to be factual and offer insight into the way ever evolving media has shaped contemporary perspectives.