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---
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title: Ian Gallo
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buttons:
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- text: Contact Artist
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url: '/contact'
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---
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2024-08-04 18:29:18 -04:00
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## Artist Bio
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Ian Gallo's artistic journey is a tale of unexpected detours and transformative moments. In 2018,
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the art community was ignited by his debut at Okeechobee Music Festival with his 8ft interactive
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dragonfly kaleidoscope, captivating 32,000 attendees with his artwork. Since then, Ian has
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swiftly garnered attention for his large-scale art inspired by nature and human form, showcasing
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his creations at prominent art festivals and galleries.
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In pursuit of a steady income, Ian was on track to becoming a successful pipeline welder after
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his graduation from Lively Tech's Advanced Welding Program in 2019. Accompanied by a
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multitude of nationally recognized AWS certifications, he found himself moving to Atlanta with
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his fiance to join UA Local Union 72. After feeling a lack of creative expression, Ian took a risk
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and established his own company with a bold vision to address the diverse welding needs of the
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local community. His services extended to a wide array of commercial and residential fabrication
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and restoration projects, ranging from handrails, ladder racks, and car haulers to undertaking
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intricate construction jobs involving multi-story buildings with beams and columns.
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His perspective was transformed in 2021 after fabricating and wiring a gorgeous illuminated
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backdrop for his own wedding. After the celebration, their florist suggested future collaborations
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involving that structure. This pivotal experience not only reshaped the direction of his business,
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sparking numerous artistic collaborations with a diverse range of partners including designers,
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event planners, venue owners, and wedding florists but also solidified his commitment to the
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continued success and growth of his venture.
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After years of learning new art techniques and mediums working in the wedding industry, Ian
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was ready to re-emerge into the large-scale installation art scene. Working within his self-made
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shipping container studio outside of Atlanta, Ian single-handedly sculpted his most stunning art
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installation to date. Inspired by the Yoruba goddess of storms, “Oyá” is a 14ft tall warrior
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goddess made entirely of hand-crafted aluminum. After years of planning with the site
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developer, “Oyá” is installed and scheduled to be debuted in Tallahassee, FL in the fall of 2024.
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Ian was 1 of 16 artists chosen from a large pool of applicants to participate in Atlanta's 2024
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Beltline Business Ventures program. Guided by Tiffany LaTrice and Aisha White of TILA
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Studios, this prestigious program offers a comprehensive curriculum to empower locally
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recognized artists by bolstering their business acumen. Noteworthy collaborations with
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distinguished artists and curators like Autumn Breon, Tony Loadholt, Ellex Swavoni, Oshun
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Layne, and Tisha Smith contribute to enriching this transformative growth opportunity.
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Ian’s art resonates with a unique blend of strength and vulnerability, where elements of his world
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intersect and converse within his sculptures. With his talent, determination, and a growing
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network of artist connections, Ian’s artistic journey is only just beginning.
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## Artist Statement
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“In my creative journey, I explore the intertwining of nature and humanity. Through metal
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sculptures, I seek to unravel how people connect with their changing environment and navigate
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cultural and economic disparities.
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Inspired by the rugged allure of industrial design, my creations embody a marriage of robust
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materials and intricate detailing. Each sculpture is a testament to the delicate dance between
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form and function, where graceful curves and dynamic lines converge with knowledge of
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structural stability.
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Each weld is more than just a joining of materials. It also serves as a testament to the strength
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and vulnerability inherent in societal existence. Just as welding requires skill, knowledge, and
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the right tools to create a strong bond, society relies on economic stability, social cohesion,
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political governance, and cultural values working in harmony. Weaknesses in these areas can
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cause societal breakdowns, akin to a weak weld causing structural failures. However, as a
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skilled welder brings pieces together, societies can overcome challenges by being adaptable
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and resilient, striving for inclusivity, flexibility, and sustainability. My sculptures stand as catalysts
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for introspection, encouraging viewers to reassess the values they hold and the narratives they
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perpetuate.
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Through my work, I aspire to challenge perceptions and spark conversations. Ultimately, I
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advocate for a more decorated, inclusive, and equitable society where love and community
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building resources are accessible to all, regardless of economic means.”
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