Dama Gallery is pleased to present "Reveries of Reminiscence", a solo collection of artwork by Tommy Valenti.

Tommy Valenti’s artistic journey weaves a vivid tapestry from threads of design, sustainability, and painting, creating a narrative rich with transformation and self-discovery. A queer artist with a multifaceted background, Valenti transcends traditional boundaries to express his nuanced exploration of identity through art. As he gears up to present his work at the “Pink Tide” group exhibition at Dama Gallery and on Artsy.net, his creations stand as vibrant testaments to the challenges and triumphs of a life lived authentically in art.

Starting as a young talent in New Jersey drawn to the tangible furniture design skills at the Rhode Island School of Design, Valenti found his calling disrupted by the global pause of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unforeseen hiatus from the design world redirected him back to his first love—drawing and painting. “It’s almost like I’m a recovering artist,” Valenti remarks, reflecting on his rekindled passion for the visual arts after a detour through fashion and sustainable design.

Intricately linked to his narrative, Valenti’s upcoming exhibits are deeply personal. His transition back to painting began with intimate drawings that captured the essence of his experiences within the familiar walls of his childhood home. These evolved into larger, more complex paintings as his artistic voice grew more apparent, and his stories demanded a broader canvas. “The shift to painting happened when there was more of a linear sense to tell a story. I felt comfortable going bigger because the story was clearer in my mind,” he explains, highlighting the evolution of his medium alongside his evolving self-narrative.

Valenti’s work in self-portraiture, initiated from necessity during quarantine, has become a profound method for exploring identity and transformation. The subjects of his paintings often feature himself, using reflective surfaces to navigate and question the layers of self-perception and reality. This technique not only connects him more deeply to his work but also invites viewers into a reflective dialogue about identity and visibility within the queer community.

As Valenti steps forward to share his work with a broader audience, his narrative intertwines personal journey with artistic expression, showcasing how deeply personal experiences can resonate universally. His story and his art underscore the transformative power of returning to one’s roots and the profound impact of living authentically. Through his upcoming exhibitions, Tommy Valenti invites us to witness the compelling beauty of an artist who paints not just his own story, but also the broader strokes of human experience in the vibrant spectrum of queer life.

The artworks that Valenti will present at “Pink Tide” and on Artsy.net are deeply personal, reflecting his journey and the physical spaces that shaped him. His series began as small drawings centered around his experiences in his hometown and childhood home. These pieces, characterized by their intimate scale and personal subject matter, evolved into larger paintings as his confidence and narrative clarity grew. Valenti explains, “The shift to painting happened when there was more of a linear sense to tell a story. I felt comfortable going bigger because the story was clearer in my mind.”

One of the most striking themes in Valenti’s work is self-portraiture, a method born out of necessity and introspection during the isolation of quarantine. “Being the subject of my work started from an accessibility standpoint. I didn’t feel comfortable asking others to pose for me,” he reflects. This approach has allowed him to explore self-identity and personal transformation directly and unfiltered. His paintings often incorporate reflective surfaces, like mirrors, which deepen the exploration of self-perception and reality. “For me, painting is about pushing myself into new spaces, discovering new things, and being uncomfortable,” he states, highlighting his continuous pursuit of growth and expression through his art.

As Valenti steps into the spotlight with his upcoming shows, he reflects on the journey that has brought him here. His work not only captures the essence of his personal experiences but also resonates with broader themes of queer identity, sustainability, and the transformative power of art. “Art is an extension of my journey of self-discovery and self-improvement,” he says, underscoring the intrinsic link between his life and work.

Listeners eager to dive deeper into Tommy Valenti’s artistic narrative can tune into The Bureau of Queer Art podcast, where his full interview is available. This platform not only showcases Valenti’s voice but also amplifies the diverse and dynamic stories within the queer art community. As Valenti prepares for his exhibitions, his story is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of transformation, and the endless possibilities that arise when one dares to reimagine their path.

ARTIST

Tommy Carmelo Valenti, born 1998 in New Jersey, is a fine artist whose work spans many media and many art forms, including: furniture, footwear, fashion, illustration, and painting.

His studio practice began at the age of twelve at the Academy of Art of Highland, NJ, where he excelled as a learner and student teacher for most of his formative years.

He attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where he first discovered a love of art forms outside of drawing and painting. He graduated with a BFA in furniture design in 2020, but struggled to keep a craft-based career amidst the uncertain terrain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frustrated with a lack of opportunity he moved to Spain in 2022, earning a masters in Sustainable Fashion Technology from the European Institute of Design, Barcelona. He was selected to work with a local fashion company designing 3D-printable footwear. Ironically, the work experience he long-awaited reinvigorated his love for the fine arts. He returned to the US after earning his MA to begin his career as a fine artist.

Artwork details and collector inquiries are available on ARTSY, click below.

DOWNLOAD ARTWORK CHECKLIST (PDF)

SOLO FEATURE

May 25 - August 25, 2024

GALLERY DATES

PINK TIDE, June 1 - August 3, 2024

LOCATION

1793 E Main Street, Ventura CA 93001

OPENING RECEPTION

June 1 , 2024 6-8p

GALLERY HOURS

Saturdays 12-3P

Weekdays By Appointment