Since 2005, Tomaselli has engaged in an ongoing body of works on paper that transforms the front page of The New York Times. Like his resin paintings–with which they have become increasingly intertwined–the Times collages are the product of a friction between the escapist impulse of artmaking and the crises of the world beyond the studio walls. The surreal compositions are ruminations on the absurdity of news cycles and provide the artist a space to respond to a variety of issues, from political squabbles to a global pandemic or a story of local heroism. As Tomaselli notes, “I think that maybe the Times collages are quietly political, in that I can riff on anything I want, while the horrors of the world become the background buzz. Maybe I’m saying that the world may be going to hell, but I still keep painting.”
Tomaselli said of his newest print, "watching Flaco flying free in Central Park was extra thrilling, coming as it did, not long after covid lockdowns were lifted. Somehow a crazy story of a 'liberated' owl became the embodiment of a sense of regained freedom. But more than that, Flaco was beautiful and alert. We thought we were looking at him but he was also looking at us.”
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this print edition will go towards MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA.
To inquire about this artwork, please contact Emily Ruotolo, eruotolo@jamescohan.com.