Rush Arts Gallery, New York, New York: A Pocket Full of Posies, Solo Exhibition

Michael De Feo : A pocket full of posies

Thursday, September 4 - Saturday, September 20, 2014

Opening reception: Thursday, September 4th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm

Artist talk: Saturday, September 20th , from 3:00 to 5:00pm

Rush Arts Gallery is pleased to present, A pocket full of posies, an exhibition of new paintings by artist, Michael De Feo in what will be his first solo gallery exhibition in New York in more than ten years.

From his illegal art installations on the streets of international cities to his widely exhibited paintings, Michael's works of the past twenty and more years merge a childlike wonder of the world with universal themes of loss and renewal. Sometimes utilizing cheerful imagery such as his globally recognized flower project juxtaposed with its ephemeral installation on the streets highlights the cycle of life while also spreading smiles and whimsy. His studio paintings are frequently on collaged maps on canvas which create new geographies and links his desire to spread his art on the streets at a worldwide level. For Michael, painting on maps acts as a metaphor for painting the entire world.

Beginning September 4, 2014, Rush Arts Chelsea will present the first exhibition ever organized to focus exclusively on Michael De Feo's flower paintings. A pocket full of posies showcases paintings on canvas and board that range in size from small portrait format to wall height.

These new paintings are a departure from Michael's iconic street flower while also continuing his exploration of flowers as subject. Throughout history, flowers have been present in times of celebration as well as times of grief. In a similar duality, Michael's paintings seem to depict the flowers blooming and wilting simultaneously. De Feo's interest in Dutch 17th century flower painting as well as Vanitas Painting is evident and Michael's new works are an homage as well as a revolt against them. The title of the exhibition, A pocket full of posies is a line from the over one hundred year old nursery rhyme, "Ring Around the Rosie" which legend says originally described the plague. At that time, many people believed that carrying sweet smelling flowers such as posies on one's person could ward off illness and disease.