Romantic Realism

“Romantic Realism” is curated by renowned New Jersey painter Mel Leipzig and presents the work of painters Daniel Finaldi, Linda Pochesci and Kyle Stevenson. In his curator’s statement Leipzig explains, “Realism in painting in its purest sense can be described as an objective record of the surface of reality. When realism is used as the vehicle to express an intense subjective feeling, it enters the realm of romanticism. The three artists in this exhibition….use the structure of visual realism to express deeply felt, highly personal, emotional states.Therefore they can be called Romantic Realists.”

Daniel Finaldi lives in Highland Park, NJ and teaches Fine Art and Art History at Freehold Borough High School. He has an MFA from BrooklynCollege. Finaldi states, “I am devoted to observing people as they are and as I perceive them in their space. I wish to paint what I believe to be beautiful; space, air, color and the spark of life and the dignity that is in every soul.”

Originally from New Jersey, Linda Pochesci now lives and paints in Hyde Park, MA. She has an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art and her work has been exhibited extensively. She taught at Rhode Island School of Design and most recently at WestMorrisCentralHigh School, Chester until 2011. Pochesci explains, “I am attracted to the dynamics of architectural spaces.  Light and the shadows that it casts speak to me about the poetics of space.”

Hamilton, NJ artist Kyle Stevenson is a professor at MercerCountyCollege where he has taught Drawing, painting and 2D Design since 2002. He has an MFA Painting from the University of Delaware. According to Stevenson, “It was always assumed that he would become an artist, ever since as a three year old he needed to draw in order to keep quiet in church.”