Two Pascal Cucaro Abstract Figural Oil Paintings on Masonite

Description

Two abstract oil paintings on masonite boards by Pascal "Pat" Cucaro including the Cory Gallery of San Francisco pamphlet where … more Two abstract oil paintings on masonite boards by Pascal "Pat" Cucaro including the Cory Gallery of San Francisco pamphlet where the works were originally purchased (ca. 1968, USA).
The painting on the right is a work from the "People - People" series documented in the gallery pamphlet. Stemming from an interest in Japanese film, Cucaro began experimenting with Oriental brush lettering as an element in painting. A simple letter or character would abstract into a figure, object, or groupings and variations of these. This work is a fine example of this technique - the figures contain brushstrokes evoking the sweeping lines of Asian calligraphy characters.
The second painting is untitled but likely part of the "Bazaar" series, which highlights a common motif for Cucaro - crowds, or as he referred to the theme "people-painting." The abstract figures appear almost like flames given the shapes and red color employed. There is a frenetic vibrance to the work, which contrasts to its small scale (both paintings are only 6" L x 4" H) yet contain such dramatic visuals and illustrate extreme skill and vision.
Framed: H: 12" L: 14" x D: 2"
Unframed: H: 4" x L: 6"
Artist Bio:
Cucaro's painting style is characterized by a bold gestural quality, complimented by a thick application of paint. In some cases, the artwork has paint so thick it seems to have been applied straight from the tube. After serving in World War II, he attended the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco, then returned to Europe to spend time in France, Spain, and Italy to study art on his own.
A one-man art show held at the Butler Institute of American Art at his hometown in 1958 was followed by other exhibitions in California, as well as Hawaii and Japan. He was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1965.
Cucaro talked about only two things, painting and love. Those, he says, are his only interests. "I paint all the time, day and night. I have no television, no radio and only sometimes read the headlines of the newspapers." With dark, piercing eyes, a mobile face and expressive hands always on the move, the artist had been painting for over 70 years. less