Francesco Modigo is in his fifties. He began to paint professionally a decade ago, and so far his works have appeared at galleries throughout the Tri-State area and in his native Italy.
More than a dozen of his oil paintings are currently exhibited at B.A.M.A. Galleries in Hoboken. The works will stay there through the end of the month.
Modigo, a Hoboken resident for almost a year, always had a passion for art. As a youngster growing up in Trieste, Italy, he studied the works of Italian artists on his own as a hobby. Since his family wanted a more risk-free future for Modigo, he studied business administration in college, and eventually worked for several business firms in Italy and New York City.
"I always wanted to be a painter, but I could never devote myself to it," Modigo said.
Finally, in 1992, after struggling with an urge to express himself full-time through art, Modigo retired from his professional duties. For the next decade he worked diligently on his craft, learning from other artists and reading many books on art, he said.
The results have been positive. His paintings are well-received at most major art shows in which he has been involved.
"I live only for my art," Modigo said.
The pieces at B.A.M.A. Galleries are unique. Modigo paints female figures with curvature using bright oil paintings on canvas. He uses classical music to inspire him while he paints. That is evident in his abstract pieces of shapes resembling human figures. There are lots of circular motions in his works, and he tries to convey a message from abstract images.
Chris Burkhardt, B.A.M.A. Galleries owner, said he brought Modigo in after one of his friends recommended him. More than a dozen people attended Modigo’s opening reception on Jan. 4, according to Burkhardt.
"He is one of those special artists that people should get to know," Burkhardt said.
Modigo’s pieces will be at B.A.M.A. Galleries through Jan. 26. B.A.M.A. Galleries is located at 946 Bloomfield St. in Hoboken. Its hours of operation are Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the show call the venue at (201) 653-7434. q