ABOUT PIETRO ADAMO

Pietro Adamo, born in Toronto, Canada in 1955, is an acclaimed abstract modern artist whose work celebrates the “unpredictable and inexhaustible record of life.” With textured surfaces and bold, rough contours, Adamo defies conventional geometric forms, creating pieces that are as expressive as they are captivating. His art reflects a relentless pursuit of imperfection, where beauty lies in flaws and unresolved mysteries.

Adamo honed his craft through the Fine Art and Art History program at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. Following his studies, he spent over two decades teaching at Chaminade College School in Toronto, where he played a vital role in shaping its visual arts department. His impact extended beyond the classroom, as many of his students went on to thrive as architects, designers, illustrators, and fine artists.

While teaching, Adamo’s creative journey remained constant. He completed numerous private and public commissions, drawing inspiration from a wide array of artists and his experiences, particularly during travels to his ancestral homeland of Italy. These journeys not only immersed him in monumental art but also the intricate beauty of rural landscapes, both of which deeply influence his work.

Adamo's artistic evolution continues to captivate audiences. His paintings, executed on paper and canvas, have a devoted following, and his series of hand-pulled prints and posters have achieved widespread acclaim. Today, his works are celebrated in galleries and collections around the globe, testifying to his enduring impact on the art world.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The relevance of painting in an era dominated by technology is both remarkable and profound. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence and digital media, painting endures, defying predictions of its demise. Perhaps it is the raw, primal simplicity of a painted mark—a human act that echoes a primal scream—that continues to resonate. Painting beckons to be acknowledged, to evoke a response.

I cannot recall a time in my life when I didn’t paint. Art is woven into my family’s DNA; it is in the Adamo signature. For more than half a century, I have explored, analyzed, refined, and, at times, destroyed everything I have learned—only to begin again. This relentless cycle reflects my pursuit of imperfection, where intrigue and mystery dwell in the unresolved.

A piece is never truly finished. What hangs on the wall is simply a snapshot—a current state of affairs in an ongoing conversation between the artist, the canvas, and the viewer.

— Pietro Adamo