Brian Batt / Leonard, with Roman Head of Venus

This new series of paintings is primarily born from the inspiration derived from a decade spent living in New York City. The faces and personalities observed within the Lower East Side and Brooklyn—whether on subway trains, on the streets, in museums, cafes, parks, coffee shops, concerts, or galleries—have profoundly influenced the artist. Magazines, ranging from art publications to fashion and photography journals, have been avidly collected throughout this period, serving as a wellspring of reference material. Notably, the titles assigned to each portrait pay homage to the streets of the Lower East Side.

As the artist relocated to Miami earlier this year, an endeavor to declutter led to the commencement of an image archive. This archive was composed of the most dynamically captivating images from the amassed collection of magazines. The subsequent phase involved tearing these images, followed by an intriguing process of intermixing and matching these cutout features. The very act of tearing the paper added an element of excitement and unpredictability to the creative process. Notably, this creative journey expanded when the artist began integrating images sourced from the annals of art history, thereby delving into fresh juxtapositions.

Central to this creative exploration is the concept of 'intersecting portraits,' wherein diverse expressions are merged. This amalgamation encompasses a spectrum of attributes: old and young, male and female, contemporary and antique, rich and poor, rough and refined, among others. The resultant artistic endeavor serves as a celebration of individuality and diversity. By merging the distinctive beauty and imperfections emblematic of multiple generations and cultures, the artist encapsulates a profound tribute to the varied tapestry of humanity.