---
title: The Artist
date: 2024-05-22T12:47:43-04:00
buttons:
- text: Full Artist Bio & Statement
url: /bio
icon: '<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 384 512"
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- text: Resume
url: /media/Ian_Gallo_RESUME.pdf
icon: >
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- text: CV
url: /media/iangallo_cv.pdf
icon: >
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art:
- main: /media/art/thumb/oya.webp
title: Oyá
status: Sold
description: >
"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.
year: 2024
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Oya1.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya2.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya3.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya5.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya7.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya8.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya9.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya91.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya92.webp
- image: /media/art/Oya95.webp
- main: /media/1000016378.png
title: Resurgence
status: Available
description: >-
"Resurgence," the inaugural sculpture from my latest series, "Elysian
Fields: Sowing Our Chosen Community." This piece embodies themes of
resilience and renewal in a world often marked by challenges, echoing the
series' overarching themes of rooting in a supportive community. 🌱
This sculpture is crafted from recycled concrete, steel, and cast aluminum, symbolizing the enduring spirit and strength that reside within us. The curved stem illustrates the non-linear journeys we each navigate, reflecting the unique twists and turns that shape our experiences.
year: 2024
gallery:
- image: /media/1000016377.png
- image: /media/1000016390.jpg
- image: /media/1000016389.jpg
- image: /media/1000016378.png
- title: Detritus
status: Available
description: “Detritus” is built from discarded scrap metal from the streets of
Atlanta, taking the form of an entombed human head, to reflect the stark
realities of urban development. It serves as a metaphor for how cities
often undergo superficial makeovers, painted to create an illusion of
renewal. In doing so, they suffocate the old culture and personality that
once defined them. This piece was constructed with repurposed sheet metal,
sawzall blades, and illuminated from within to capture the viewer's
attention while hinting at the underlying themes of neglect and waste in a
bustling city. It embodies the discarded materials that litter our
environment and a reminder that we shape our community's image through our
actions. My goal is for the sculpture to foster awareness of the
importance of proper waste disposal, encouraging construction workers and
citizens alike to leave no trace behind, ultimately inspiring us all to
protect and improve the world we share.
main: /media/detritus3.jpg
year: 2024
gallery:
- image: /media/detritus3.jpg
- image: /media/detritus1.jpg
- image: /media/detritus2.jpg
- image: /media/detritus5.jpg
- image: /media/detritus4.jpg
- image: /media/detritus6.jpg
- image: /media/detritus8.jpg
- image: /media/detritus9.jpg
- main: /media/art/thumb/revelation.webp
title: Revelation
status: Available
description: >
“Revelation” embodies a transformative journey, born out of a unique
challenge and a limited timespan. This sculpture, crafted from rough-cut
scrap metal, captures the essence of discovery and growth in my artistic
career. Inspired by an old concept drawing, its single-line abstract face
reflects a surprised expression, symbolizing the awe and wonder found in
unexpected moments of creation. Through this sculpture, I seek to convey
the beauty and serendipity of artistic exploration, where limitations
become catalysts for boundless creativity.
year: 2024
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Revelation1.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/steelhedge.webp
title: Steel Hedgehog
status: Available
description: >
The “steel hedgehog” emerges as a compelling symbol of defiance, embodying
a fusion of fortitude and resistance against the backdrop of state
militarization. Surrounded by growing authoritarian and fascist regimes,
Czechoslovakia stood as a democratic republic with a relatively strong and
active leftist movement, including a significant Communist Party presence.
Czech hedgehogs originated from a history of rapid deployment in the 1930s
with around 200,000 of these steel sentinels made for Czechoslovakia’s
border fortifications to protect the young republic from hostile
neighbors. These steel structures serve not only as physical barriers but
also as metaphors for collective action in times of need, hinting at the
potential for communities to unite swiftly against oppressive forces,
perhaps even forming impromptu defenses against tanks as needed. From
their origins as local defenses to their transformative role in
challenging state militarization, steel hedgehogs evoke a sense of
defiance intertwined with communal empowerment, becoming symbols of
resistance and creative opposition. This artistic exploration captures the
duality of strength and solidarity, resilience and challenge, prompting
viewers to contemplate unified action and collaborative resistance against
authoritarian threats.
year: 2024
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Steel_hedgehog2.webp
- image: /media/art/Steel_hedgehog1.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/eternalbliss.webp
title: Eternal Bliss
status: Available
description: >
"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.
year: 2020
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Eternal_bliss1.webp
- image: /media/art/Eternal_bliss5.webp
- image: /media/art/Eternal_bliss6.webp
- image: /media/art/Eternal_bliss8.webp
- image: /media/art/Eternal_bliss9.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/visage.webp
title: Visage
status: Sold
description: >
"Visage” captures the essence of human perception through fragmented
abstraction. Constructed from hand-bent copper wire, the sculpture
delicately assembles individual elements of the face into a unified yet
fragmented whole. Whether viewed head-on or from the side, the arrangement
invites a dynamic interaction, as if the figure is perpetually engaging
with the viewer. This piece explores the nuanced interplay between
perception and presence, illustrating how minimalistic forms can evoke a
profound sense of connection and introspection.
year: 2020
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Visage2.webp
- image: /media/art/Visage3.webp
- image: /media/art/Visage1.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/invisiblehand.webp
title: The Invisible Hand
status: Available
description: >
"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.
year: 2020
gallery:
- image: /media/art/the_invisible_hand2.webp
- image: /media/art/the_invisible_hand4.webp
- image: /media/art/the_invisible_hand5.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/reverie.webp
title: Reverie
status: Available
description: >
"Reverie" captures a moment of intimate tranquility between two
individuals, outlined in a single, continuous line of hand-bent copper
wire. Seated side by side, bare and unguarded, they gaze at the night sky,
wrapped in the embrace of friendship and solace. The resin-coated steel
circle symbolizes the full moon, casting a gentle glow over their shared
moment of peace, free from the world's judgments and troubles. This piece
reflects the serene beauty of connection and the quiet strength found in
moments of togetherness, inviting viewers to find solace in the simplicity
and depth of human bonds under the moonlit sky.
year: 2019
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Reverie1.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/karenia.webp
title: Karenia
status: Available
description: >
"Karenia" is an industrial interpretation of Florida's diminishing
underwater landscapes, crafted from thin, bent steel resembling seaweed
growing from concrete rock. The square steel pieces at the tips signify
the declining water quality caused by red tides, which result from
chemical runoff from farming, factories, and sewage treatment plants.
Named after Karenia brevis, the algae responsible for Florida's harmful
red tides, this piece highlights the devastating impact of these toxic
blooms on marine life and human health. "Karenia" serves as a stark
reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect our
fragile aquatic ecosystems.
year: 2019
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Karenia1.webp
- image: /media/art/Karenia2.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/nocturnus.webp
title: Nocturnus
location: Suwannee Hulaween
status: Available
description: >
"Nocturnus" is a testament to nocturnal wonder, blending the playful
interaction of spinning bike rims with the mystical imagery of bat wings
illuminated by pink LEDs. Evolving from its predecessor,
"Dragonfleidoscope," this sculpture was installed in the magical Suwannee
forest, its blackened form contrasted by a haunting pink glow from
beneath. At an event with 21,000 attendees, participants engage with the
spinning rims, creating dynamic tessellations that mirror the intricate
patterns of bats in flight. This transformation reflects the duality of
nature, where light and dark converge, inviting viewers to rediscover the
enchanting beauty of the nocturnal world through interactive artistry.
year: 2019
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Nocturnus1.webp
- image: /media/art/Nocturnus8.webp
- image: /media/art/Nocturnus9.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/dragonfieldscope.webp
title: Dragonfleidoscope
status: Available
description: >
Dragonfleidoscope" is an interactive eight-foot kaleidoscope sculpture
that blends industrial strength with vibrant, nature-inspired beauty.
Crafted from welded steel trusses forming a triangular prism, this
collaborative piece features colorful bike rims decorated with crochet
patterns by textile artist and life partner, Caitlin Gallo. These rims,
bolted to threaded pipes, spin to create mesmerizing tessellations.
Positioned to face the sunset, the kaleidoscope's colors shift throughout
the day, captivating viewers with its dynamic interplay of light. A
four-foot metal dragonfly perches atop the structure, complemented by
laser-cut metal cattails, echoing the natural theme. With 32,000 attendees
at the festival, "Dragonfleidoscope" invites a playful, childlike sense of
wonder, encouraging participants to rediscover the magic of their
surroundings through a joyous dance of light and imagination.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope97.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope7.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope91.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope98.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope95.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope94.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope3.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope5.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope96.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope99.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfleidoscope8.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/continuum.webp
title: Continuum
status: Available
description: >
“Continuum” embodies the profound journey of existence shaped by
generations of love, resilience, and sacrifice. Crafted from metal flat
bar and industrial pipes, this piece symbolizes the passage of life and
the strength of matriarchal families. Each curve and line represents the
interconnected threads of countless lives—births endured, parenting
struggles overcome, and economic challenges faced—that intricately weave
together to form the continuum of life. It celebrates the serendipitous
nature of our existence, reflecting on how every detail over thousands of
years has aligned perfectly to shape our lives today, honoring the
enduring legacy of feminine strength and perseverance.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Continuum3.webp
- image: /media/art/Continuum5.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/rift.webp
title: The Rift
status: Available
description: >
"The Rift" is a visual exploration of connection and separation, captured
in the elegant simplicity of two copper wire hands reaching out to one
another. One hand extends palm down, the other palm up, symbolizing giving
and receiving, yearning and restraint. Housed in a custom-built wooden
frame, the piece's true essence emerges through its shadows. As light
moves, the shadows of the hands create an illusion of motion, portraying a
perpetual yet unfulfilled embrace. This dynamic interplay highlights the
tension of human connection, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and
sorrow of relationships that feel both deeply connected and incomplete.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/the_rift3.webp
- image: /media/art/the_rift5.webp
- image: /media/art/the_rift4.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/vitality.webp
title: Vitality
status: Available
description: >
"Vitality" embodies the essence of life through a single-line sculpture.
Crafted from delicate hand-bent copper wire, it forms an anatomical heart
framed within an industrial steel pipe, reminiscent of the protective
pericardial cavity surrounding this vital organ. This juxtaposition of
materials symbolizes the delicate balance between strength and fragility,
reflecting the steel's protective embrace around our vulnerable core.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Vitality1.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/steelmagnolia.webp
title: Steel Magnolia
status: Available
description: >
"Steel Magnolia" represents a pivotal moment in my hard-earned welding
career. Amidst the challenges and long hours at a school construction
site, I unearthed a discarded base plate bearing the scars of its
industrial history—originally welded to an underground pipe, now
transformed into a canvas for a meticulously handcrafted magnolia flower.
Shaped from copper wire with intricate care, the sculpture harmonizes the
raw, torch-cut steel backdrop with the delicate beauty of the flower. It
symbolizes the resilience and grace of a 'Steel Magnolia'—women who embody
both delicate sensitivity and unwavering toughness in the face of
adversity. Inspired deeply by my mother's lifelong dedication as an
educator, 'Steel Magnolia' celebrates her influence and the enduring
fortitude of women who navigate life's challenges with their unique
version of poise and dignity.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Steel_magnolia2.webp
- image: /media/art/Steel_magnolia3.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/angeltrumpet.webp
title: Angel Trumpets
status: Available
description: >
"Angel Trumpets'' embodies our collaborative exploration, crafted in
partnership with textile artist Caitlin Gallo. Suspended 30ft high from
branches, three 12ft Angel Trumpet flowers, intricately fashioned from
organically hand-dyed fabric and welded steel frames, draw inspiration
from South American traditions where these flowers symbolize communication
with the departed. Our installation invites contemplation of the delicate
balance between earthly existence and spiritual connection, evoking a
sense of awe and inviting viewers to reflect on cultural symbolism and the
beauty of the natural world.
year: 2018 ― 2019
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets1.webp
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets2.webp
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets3.webp
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets4.webp
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets5.webp
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets6.webp
- image: /media/art/Angel_trumpets7.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/solace.webp
title: Solace
status: Available
description: >
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.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Solace2.webp
- image: /media/art/Solace3.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/sinuous.webp
title: Sinuous
status: Available
description: >
"Sinuous" captures the elegance and fluidity of the female form through a
single, unbroken line of hand-bent copper wire. The sculpture outlines a
curvy figure in a moment of coyness, glancing back over her shoulder. The
warm, earthy tones of the copper wire add an organic quality, emphasizing
the natural curves and playful posture that convey both strength and
vulnerability. This piece celebrates the beauty of minimalism, where each
bend and curve contributes to an expression of grace and subtle allure,
symbolizing the uninterrupted flow of life and the elegance in every twist
and turn of our journey.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Sinuous2.webp
- main: /media/art/thumb/dragonfly.webp
title: Dragonfly
status: Available
description: >
“Dragonfly” embodies the essence of my journey from school to discovering
my true calling as an artist, capturing the rugged style of my early
construction days. Crafted from repurposed elements from Lively Tech, this
piece reflects my roots in welding and fabrication. Drawing from the raw
beauty of industrial design, it portrays the grace and elegance of its
subject, delicately perched in a moment of stillness. As my first creation
in metal art, it symbolizes the beginning of my exploration into artistic
expression, where every curve and line tells a story of newfound passion
and creativity. Through this sculpture, viewers are invited to explore the
interplay of strength and delicacy, discovering unexpected beauty in its
rustic texture and refined forms.
year: 2018
gallery:
- image: /media/art/Dragonfly3.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfly4.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfly5.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfly1.webp
- image: /media/art/Dragonfly2.webp
---
Introducing **Ian Gallo**, a metal sculpture artist who is rapidly making a name for himself through his unique approach to metalworking.
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.