James Bartolacci: Saudade

James Bartolacci: Saudade
January 21 – February 18, 2023
Taymour Grahne Projects
52 Lonsdale Road
Notting Hill
London
W11 2DE

Taymour Grahne Projects presents Saudade, a solo exhibition by New York-based artist James Bartolacci, opening on January 21 between 5-7 pm at Taymour Grahne Projects‘ Notting Hill 2 space (52 Lonsdale Road). Saudade is a Portuguese word that connotes an emotional state of intense longing for something that does not necessarily still exist. The term encapsulates bittersweet nostalgia; the emotional experience of recalling past feelings of vitality which now results in a sense of disillusionment.

There are strong autobiographical and fantasy elements weaved together in Saudade, with the paintings depicting parties as formative, potent celebrations. These occasions are idealized in ways they might have never been, which is in perhaps longing for how they deserve to be remembered.

The idea of a sublime night is underlined by a sense of melancholy due to its rarity. This juxtaposition is one that Bartolacci plays with in their paintings; glamor and beauty positioned against disappointment and apathy.

Fantasy is often something that can never truly be achieved, but the possibilities and blissful nature, offers Bartolacci deep catharsis and provides the essential building blocks of their practice. The longing for closeness is something experienced in the hedonism of a night’s party, where light and mood heighten perception. There is also the longing for Bartolacci’s connection to parties of past and the poignant acceptance of the passing of time.

Reminiscence has always been essential in Bartolacci’s practice and as Kevin Brazil writes for Frieze, ‘Like the dancer holding the phone, Bartolacci always appears to anticipate nostalgia, which they evoke most powerfully’.

©2023 James Bartolacci, Taymour Grahne Projects