Anthony Falbo "Jesus is the Most High"

For Those of you who do not already know, Anthony Falbo is a Christian. This is not to say that he is a religious man. Religion, after all, is a cultural system. More precisely, "religion", is an interaction of cultural elements that create and utilize symbols to link humanity to a set of values.  In short, Religion, which is "man-made" (the term "man" denoting a culture or society),  is not the same thing as faith and does not refer to a person's spiritual beliefs.  Neither is the term religion synonomous with piety.  Religion refers to public manifestations, and there often seems to be a disconnect between public displays of religious affectation and the virtue of persons engaged in such. To be clear, because someone is religious does not mean they are pious, good, or Christian.  So I suppose many might ask the question; what are the beliefs of Anthony Falbo? Is he religious?  Is he virtuous? Since, as an artist, it seems clear that he is saying something strongly profound, what is it that he is saying to us?  Is he telling us of his beliefs? Is he telling us what he does not believe, or is he doing his best to unravel the pointed questions posed by mankind over the ages?  Does he know something that we do not know? Where in the universe does he get these ideas that he portrays so elegantly?

This week's painting is entitled "Jesus Is The Most High" and I am hoping it gets everyone thinking and commenting. There is a lot going on in this painting, and I firmly believe it worth exploring. Remember, my impression may not be your impression, and while I will offer some insight about Anthony's impressions, as always, the artist will not disclose everything with words, that is after all, why he paints.


My initial impression of "Jesus is the most high" is that it represents man's attempt to find fulfillment in substances, and just about every option they can find on earth yet often ignoring the one way to fulfillment which is also the way to salvation.  Once upon a time I remember hearing a theologian offer the observation that "man is always accepting counterfeits". He was referring to the use of substances to attain feelings of joy, fulfilment, and contentment, through the use of substances. I think someone once coined the phrase "substance abuse".  The Professor's message was that these substances never really bring one true joy. He used the word "counterfeit" to describe how people will always try to find substitutes for what God has offers us freely.  In other words, though one can achieve a feeling of joy by excersizing his body thereby releasing natural endorphins, a mechanism designed by God, they will often opt for a substitute, or if you will, a counterfeit version of God's "genuine article".  Taking this further, the theology professor states that even if, over a period of time, one achieves feelings of joy by engaging in regular excercise, they will never achieve complete fulfillment in their lives through excercise alone, and so may turn to counterfeit measures as well. I believe at least one of the messages the artist is portraying to our thirsty eyes is represented in the words of the theologian. Succinctly, God is the author and inventor of our bodies and souls, and any attempt to achieve fulfilment without a connection to God will inevitably result in the acceptance of a counterfeit solution. The obvious problem, as our theologian states, is that nothing gives you a "high" like the one who is "most high". The absurdity of mankind accepting a counterfeit when the real thing is available, is part of the message Anthony Falbo relates to us in "Jesus Is The Most High". 

In the painting, we see an abstract image of a human being desperately trying to achieve relief in the form of a "high". The protrayal, perhaps of an addict who is willing to try everything avaliable to him from psychodelic mushrooms, marijuana, intravenous drugs (we could assume heroin), cocaine, and some form of high powered drink (perhaps the high alchohol/caffiene drinks that have hospitalized so many as of late).  We also see the bible and the words, "Jesus is the most high". I have heard it said that this painting may be some sort of mockery to our saviours grace, and that the artist himself uses drugs to enhance not only his artistic talents but also his spiritual endeavors.  As a personal friend of Anthony Falbo, I can tell you first hand that nothing could be further from the truth. Anthony does not, nor has he ever, used drugs. So where does the artist get his insight? 

Back to the questions we asked at the beginning of this review, what are Anthony's beliefs, and what kind of man is he?  As a friend, I can attest that Anthony is a good man.  Like all men, he is not perfect, and he has made mistakes in his lifetime. The difference, for this artist, is that he knows that he is forgiven for his transgressions because he has accepted the universal fact that Jesus Christ died for our sins. Is Anthony Falbo Pious? I know what he would say.  He would tell you "no", but point to the sky and say, "but because of Christ, I am forgiven". The fact that no man is truly virtuous outside of Christ when he became the son of man, is a belief that Anthony carries into his work.  This simple yet profound truth is the foundation from where this artist gets his inspiration. Succinctly, Anthony gets his messages that he brings to the world of art, through God. This may sound a bit far fetched to some patrons of the art world, but when you look at the work of the artist, and speak to him about his inspiration, you come away knowing that he is a well grounded and simple man with a complex and amazing talent that he admits is given to him every day by his Lord and Savior. There is no piety here, neither is there any hocus pocus. Anthony emphatically states that he does not get his ideas from dreams, astrology, ouigi boards, absinthe, or psychosis. He is inspired by God, directly and indirectly from God, and God works through him.  Anyone with any doubts has only to look at his talent.

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Anthony Falbo "From Iraq With Love"

I think the meaning in this painting is pretty clear for most observers. What is also immediately obvious is that the emotion, the "pathos" is defined in Falbo's unique way.  Once again, I have to bring up the master, Picasso, because while I realize many people will compare this style to some of Picasso's works, we need to be clear that there are important differences.  Falbo incorporates more into what many call a "cubism" style of painting. So much so that we understand why the term "cubestraction" is used to describe a style that is unique to Falbo.  Certainly, there are elements of cubism in this painting, but there are also elements of abstract expression, circular motion, and perhaps even a touch of "folk" style.

Looking at the imagery, Falbo exhibits both the longing, the love, and the despair, within the context presented. A woman who is awaiting not only the return of her love, but also the debut of his child.  We see, in the woman's face, the surrender of her mind and body to the thoughts of tenderness and passion as she ponders the words of her love. The diverse position of her eyes reveal to us her attention to the thoughts written to her which are detailed in the painting. The motion in the arms and hands express her vicarious affection and desire to touch her man, as well as the spiritual link the letter has fostered by symbolically reaching across oceans and cradling his unborn child within her.  At first glance this may seem straight forward, but as we look at this painting, we are also left to wonder if his hand is also "her" hand representing another vicarious touching.

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Buying Art Before it Soars

Lets talk about art. In fact, lets talk about the business of art, and what it takes for an artist to become recognized. Lets also discuss how to find an artist like Vincent Van Gogh, or Salvadore Dali, before the art becomes unaffordable to most of the world. 

During his/her lifetime an artist may work to produce art and develop his skills as an artist so that the world has a chance to see its universe reflected back to its citizens in a way that provides a unique and transforming experience. Artists sometimes paint for the sake of their art, sometimes for money and sometimes because they are strongly compelled. Some artists are such unique creatures that they find the only way for them to cope, or understand this experience we call life, is for them to paint, sculpt, or do whatever it is they do to express what they feel, know, understand, love, hate, and endure.

There are a limited number of artists who paint for what we might call a higher purpose. Unless one happens to actually be an artist, it may be difficult to discern the motivation behind why art is created. Often the most talented and developed artists create because they feel they must, they are bound to a need to express, and to create. These artists give everything they have for their craft, often reaching deep inside themselves to gather every part of what they are, who they are, and what they see, so that it can be reflected outward in their art. When we see work from the greatest of artists we see the very essence of what is beautiful, sometimes disturbing, and always magnificent. Such are the artists whose works become most important to the world, Artists like: Michelangelo, Salvadore Dali, Pablo Picasso, Rembrant, and one particular artist that is painting right now who is perhaps, as we say, not yet fully recognized by the mainstream of the art world. 

Naturally, those who hold much of the wealth in our societies are the ones who decide which pieces of art are deemed worthy of high prices. Since it is their money that gets used to buy pricey art, this seems obvious. But as we know, many times these patrons of the arts are influenced by critics, galleries, agents, and other purveyors of art.

At one time Paris used to be considered the center of the art world. Many now feel that Manhattan is the hub of the art world, and while there are many places in the world that house dealers, critics, and galleries, it is from this city where the denizens of the art world congregate. It is usually here that these entities, the navigators of the art community, decide what should be considered good, bad, collectible, and important to the world’s collection of paintings, statues, constructs, photographs, and installations. 

While appreciation of art is something that is supposed to be subjective in nature, there can be no doubt that the prices that get paid for what is considered art in our society are influenced by the people within the art communities that the world looks to for guidance. While it would be wonderful if everyone was always completely open-minded in their appraisal of both the artist and individual pieces, this is just not always the way it works. How many times has the world watched as the works from talented and significant artists like Van Gogh, Modigliani, and others were missed by the mainstream art collective during which time these artists struggled to produce what the world now sees as priceless creations?

It is a story told over many times. Masterpiece creations were overlooked perhaps because the artists and/or their work, for a myriad of reasons, did not find the approval of the mainstream. It could be that these artists did not subjugate their talent to the rulers of art commerce. Perhaps they did not paint what was considered popular during their time, or maybe they were not popular within the community afore mentioned that influences the buyers of art.

I have heard it said many times that those artists who do not “play ball” with the powers that be within the stratified world of art dealers and galleries, often are not immediately recognized. In all fairness there could be many reasons why some works are not fully recognized until after the artist has reached a ripe old age or is no longer with us including the idea that talent will usually develop over time and it often takes a lifetime for talent to reach its pinnacle. But when an artist is truly talented, when an artist’s work is staggering in form, color, construct, and message, the world will eventually see, on its own, the importance of the work. 

 

It should be noted that galleries, art dealers, and the like will often spend a great deal of money and effort to promote good art, but many times not until such art comes into their possession or artists agree to give galleries sometimes over 50% off the price. Other times I have heard artists complain that dealers/promoters want to buy art for nothing (meaning very little money) so that they can then promote the art and sell it for high dollars once it is in their possession. Since promotion of art is the business of a gallery, and a gallery is there to make money, it could be said that there is nothing wrong with these kinds of arrangements. Of course nothing really is wrong with this dynamic as long as you are not an artist, struggling to make it on a shoestring budget while galleries and dealers seem to be making all the money. Sometimes galleries will provide artists with money so they can buy materials and pay expenses. In exchange for these finances gallery owners will often expect artists to agree not to sell art directly. I've heard one gallery owner state “Running a gallery is expensive". "Often I will give artists money to buy materials, and because of this we have an understanding that they will not have, what we call, studio sales”.

How to spot a genius
In the 90’s we witnessed the beginning of a change in the art world when people worldwide began linking their computers to the internet. As the internet grew many artists began to sell their art directly “online” via personal web sites, online galleries, and of course, ebay. Today, one can log onto ebay and browse the “art” directories and look at art that is offered directly from the artists who create it. There are literally thousands of paintings offered by artists and dealers worldwide. While ebay, and the internet in general, are awash with art that might not usually attract the eye of serious collectors and dealers, there are a select few who will very likely one day take their place in history alongside the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Salvador Dali, and yes even Michelangelo.


Our drive at “ArtistNext” is to profile artists that we believe will one day be recognized worldwide for their work. We will be looking for what we will define as "important art". We would not submit that such art will always be identified by how much it costs, but we will attempt to find those select few who will take their place as artists whose work will likely become highly coveted by the most selective and knowledgeable collectors in the art world. The reasoning behind this is simple. Real art is created through the elements of talent, committment, sincerity, and hard work. Art is an expression, and while everyone has the right to express themselves not everyone has the talent, to create expressions that are noteworthy. 


To begin our reviews we will take a look at one particular artist who will surely one day be (if he is not already) on the lips of dealers and collector worldwide. This artist is a true genius. The world is already beginning to notice the magnificence of his work, and though currently there are still opportunities to buy his paintings for under $10,000, we have already seen his paintings sell for much more. But why is this artist worthy of so much attention? To sing his praises in terms of the talent, committment, sincerity and hard work is easy because the artist is a river of committment, sincerity, and hard work. But his level of talent is so immense that it may actually be something that prevents high power critics from attending.


Like many masters before him, Falbo has explored various styles and techniques as he developed his skills. If you speak to him he'll tell you that he is rarely satisfied with his work, he always feels he can improve .. do better .. reach further. This is one mark of a true master. But his desire for improvement has allowed the artist to complete magnificent paintings in a variety of styles. Critics often prefer to study an artist from a single perspective, asking for a single style. What many critics seem to be missing,however, is that because of the artists incredible talent, (yeah, thats part of the four elements that is a gift given to few individuals and cannot be obtained) he is turning out masterpieces in a variety of styles. He may very well be the most talented artist since Michelangelo. The bottom line here seems to be that there appears to be no end to what this man can do with a brush and paint. If the critics can't follow his talent because of his diverse skill-set, that's a failing on the part of the critics, and frankly if I were in their shoes I'd want to wake up to this fact before the rest of the world does. While for the time being the world may be happy to let the "experts" offer advice on which art might be preferential and which art might be slightly less desirable, and while we certainly can't expect everyone to get it right all the time, eventually patrons will begin to ignore advice from those who seem to keep steering them in the wrong directions. We've had enough of that kind of thing already, and I don't know about you but I'm getting tired of someone telling me that a photograph of a used urinal, or a painting that took someone 5 minutes to paint with 15 random streaks of black paint, is more important than something that is clearly the result of immense talent, grueling hours, and a message that is wrenched out from the artist's soul.


Anthony Falbo is an artist that will one day take his place among the great artists of our world. If you are an artist, you will immediately see the quality of the work which can only come from many hours of intense commitment and concentration. From the standpoint of a collector you will immediately note something that clearly stands above the masses. One need only review the paintings sold at auction in halls of the renowned Sotheby’s to know that the works of this artist will one day bring its share of raised paddles. This fact, it seems, has already become apparent to some collectors because Anthony is, and has been selling paintings.  I would encourage others to take a look for themselves. Not only are the technical aspects of his work crisp, and alive, but the symbolism, the messages, the feeling, and movement of his art is monumental. The artist’s work is every bit representative of the elements the world has come to recognize as exceptional.

Falbo’s messages are stark, sublime, humorous, and often disturbing. When we study his paintings we find deep and profound meaning in the images he paints. The artist communicates with humor, love, fear, remorse, desire, spirituality, vanity, and joy. Like other masters before him, Anthony’s work reflects the insights that motivate him to express an understanding of the world which he feels cannot be accomplished through words. Such expressions take time to begin to understand but are keenly stunning when first observed. Like some of the most famous of his predecessors, this artist has elected to go it alone. While some insightful galleries and museums throughout the world have been wise enough to obtain some of Falbo’s paintings, Anthony currently sells most of his work through word of mouth and through his web site. This may change one day, but currently serious collectors can still purchase paintings directly from his studio, or online by going to www.falboart.com, and here is a switch, talking to the artist directly.

Anthony Loves to talk about art in general, and though he is humble about his incredible gifts, he is willing to talk about his art to those who ask. Though he expresses himself best through his work, he is always happy to speak to people about his work. As an artist, and as a collector, I am buying Anthony’s art whenever I can. Currently, there are still pieces that are for sale. I don’t expect them to be available for long, but thankfully Anthony is still painting. At Anthony Falbo's Blogspot we plan to write about some of his individual pieces over the next 12 months.

Stay tuned!

We're going to be doing in depth reporting on some exciting artists who, as yet, have not been completely absorbed into the mainstream art world. This will be a great place to take a look at highly talented artists who have works available now but will likely be scooped up at some point by larger galleries, serious collectors, and museums. Some of the artists we will profile already have museum exhibits, but their works are still affordable ... for now. We will get the inside skinny on the artist themselves, their motivations, the meaning behind their works, and plan on doing monthly reviews on individual pieces. Feel free to join in the discussions. Stay tuned to learn about art that will enhance the value of your collection both aesthetically and monetarily.