RICO GATSON: Above and Below

"There is a palpable centrifugal force in the works in Above and Below, Rico Gatson’s exhibition of sixteen abstract paintings, all from 2024. These colorful, hard-edge compositions of stripes, circular forms, triangles, and other geometric shapes generate a pulsating energy generally emanating from the center. They are painted with acrylic on hollow-core wood doors, suggestive of portals to some other spatial and spiritual realm. Some of the compositions seem centripetal, such as Untitled (Travelers), while others do not depend on an insistent inward or outward movement, including Untitled (Four Vibrations) and Untitled (Afro-Utopia I). These compositions appear more static and emblematic, in the manner of a flag or a political banner."

"Above and Below contains fourteen new works, painted with acrylic on large hollow core doors, several spanning over six feet in length. Still inspired by Black icons, but instead honing into a metaphysical mentality or transcendent approach to the world. Afrofuturist artist and musician, SUN RA, in particular, is a long-time inspiration for Gatson, who is known for his performance art and belief in space travel as a means of Black people obtaining liberation beyond this world. Gatson’s concept of 'utopic landscapes' directly aligns with the SUN RA’s visionary philosophy, insisting that not only is another world is possible, but it is already available within the Black imagination. Above and Below is a collection of works elevated beyond metaphysical concept and more deeply intertwined with a forward-thinking mentality invested in collective healing."

- Erica Cardwell in "Rico Gatson, Above and Below"

"Gatson, has incorporated a 'bullseye' into the Above and Below series. The bullseye is represented by a fixed, primary-colored pinwheel. This effect can be observed in Untitled (After the Storm) through the placement of the bullseye within an oceanic seascape with several diagonal lightning bolts stacked on either side. Viewers may experience the center shape as a light source or deity. This winding circle leads into infinitude – nowhere and everywhere – is a consistent symbol on the handmade album covers of SUN RA and his bandmates."

- Erica Cardwell in "Rico Gatson, Above and Below"

"Concepts of healing are periodically disregarded in contemporary art perspectives; certain schools of thought insist that art isn’t meant to do anything to or for viewers. This idea is a seminal debate among art critics and writers mainly because the topic of interpretation or meaning from art infers a sense of responsibility. For Gatson, his career has centered around elevating Black iconography to a place of purposeful and intentional homage. Above and Below touches more specifically on the relationship that such reverie can have on the psyche of the viewer, how it can heal us."

- Erica Cardwell in "Rico Gatson, Above and Below"