"Oyá" is an aluminum sculpture inspired by the powerful goddess and Orisha in Yoruba mythology that represents storms, transformation, leadership, and protection. She serves as a tribute to relentless female strength and resilience. The sculpture incorporates elements such as the bo staff, tornado-inspired gele, and a poised passé relevé pose to symbolize her warrior spirit and femininity. After a recent rare and destructive tornado in Tallahassee, the sculpture and neighboring buildings were remarkably unharmed. "Oyá" not only demonstrates physical durability but also embodies a spiritual strength that mirrors the resilience of the surrounding community. She stands as a beacon of liberation and unity for all who encounter her presence.
In crafting this piece, I sought to capture a fleeting yet profound moment of tenderness. Using hand-bent copper wire, I delicately shaped the contours of two faces intertwined in a serene embrace. One face gently leans forward, pressing a soft kiss upon the forehead of the other, evoking a sense of quiet affection and connection. Through the simplicity of a single line, I aimed to convey the depth of emotion and the beauty found in intimate human interactions. This artwork invites viewers to contemplate the subtleties of love and the gentle power of a caring touch, encapsulated in the fluidity and grace of wire sculpture.
"The Invisible Hand" represents the relentless sacrifice of the working man under the weight of corporate greed. The severed hand, stripped to its bones and veins, symbolizes the lifeblood drained from laborers by an unfeeling system. Poured aluminum, resembling spilled blood, flows over the hand, a stark reminder of the human cost buried beneath the pursuit of profit. This work challenges the viewer to confront the unseen forces that exploit and discard the common man, urging a reflection on the true price of progress and prosperity.
"Eternal Bliss" embodies the essence of tranquility and introspection, crafted from layers of skateboard decks transformed into a serene representation. Through meticulous carving and shaping, I sculpted closed eyes that evoke a blissful trance, inviting viewers to contemplate the depths of inner peace amid life's tumultuous rhythms. This sculpture is an ongoing transformative journey, much like my own path of artistic expression. As I continue to shape and refine its form, I seek to capture that elusive moment of clarity and completion, mirroring the lifelong search for eternal bliss. Each layer, fused together with epoxy and shaped with care, reflects the resilience and beauty found in embracing creativity as a sanctuary from the demands of a busy world. "Eternal Bliss" invites viewers to find solace and inspiration in the quietude of artistic contemplation, reminding us of the eternal quest for harmony and tranquility in our lives.
Ian's artwork is a celebration of the natural world, as well as the intricate connections between people and their environment. His art draws inspiration from the raw beauty of industrial design, combining rugged materials with intricate detailing to create striking and thought-provoking pieces.
Working in his small Atlanta studio, Ian crafts each piece by hand, using welding techniques and a meticulous attention to detail to bring his creations to life. His sculptures are often characterized by graceful curves and dynamic lines, which evokes patterns of human behavior and untamed landscapes.
Since becoming a welder in 2016, Ian Gallo has already gained recognition for his work and has been featured at several art festivals and galleries. His work has garnered attention for its unique blend of strength and vulnerability, as elements of Ian’s world collide and interact in his sculptures. With his undeniable talent and distinctive style, Ian promises to be one of the most exciting metal artists of his generation.
