Kim DiDonato
Denver, Colorado
Edges and Echoes, a new solo exhibition at D'art Gallery, Denver, Colorado. I am a +painter +collage artist +sculptor +abstract imagery +expressive figuration
Message
Kim DiDonato is a visual artist based in Denver, Colorado. Her work features textural landscape-inspired imagery and expressive figuration utilizing a variety of material approaches and techniques. After a career in international development, she studied painting and sculpture in Washington, New York and London.
Edges and Echoes is her first solo exhibition in Colorado at D'art Gallery (October 23-November 16). Edges and Echoes is a captivating Collection of abstract paintings and sculptures where hard-edge shapes intersect with ghostly, abstracted figures - a contemporary homage to the haunting intensity of Alberto Giacometti.
DiDonato’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous regional and national juried shows, including Red Dot, Miami in 2023. In September 2024 her work was featured in New Visionary Magazine.
Statement
My work is an ongoing conversation with the external world about color, composition, texture and shape. I interpret these elements utilizing a variety of material approaches and techniques depending on the mood and narrative I want to convey. Working within the genres of abstraction and expressive figuration, inspiration comes from a wide range of sources – shapes and colors observed from nature; emotional responses to models during weekly studio life drawing sessions; or the joy of working in my studio.
Erosion in Evidence, is one of the series I've been working on for the past few years and it encompasses pure abstraction and figurative pieces. I start with a layered substrate of acrylic and collage on wood panel and allow the textural effects and the chance marks that emerge, guide my choice about whether to incorporate figurative elements. The surface of each isolated layer is embellished with decorative forms, paint, hand-colored paper shapes, and often a collage of expressive figure drawings from life. The subtractive process of scraping away to reveal buried patterns and colors informs subsequent additive decisions. The resulting translucency and complexity of depth and marks from this technique invites the viewer to look closer and become involved in the discovery of my visual language.