Modern_Baroque

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MODERN BAROQUE

The Bibliothque Angelica Above the Gallery is the Oldest Public Library in Europe

“Modern Baroque” is the emblematic title chosen by the Canadian artist Gregg Simpson himself to define a specific chapter of his artistic production, notoriously characterized by dynamic and colorful paintings done in a variety of styles, including abstract, floral, landscape, and surrealist.

The raw organic energy invoked by the primal forces of nature is perceptible in the imaginative interweaving of shapes and colors, which, despite their complexity, find the key to interpenetration in an often bizarre yet extremely spontaneous, almost magical way, as if to recall the mysterious and fascinating laws of nature. And so, the French adjective baroque, which from the late 17th century acquired the generic meaning of “extravagant”, turns out to be perfect to define the peculiar dynamics that reign in Simpson's works, starting with the choice of titles.

A prolific and critically recognized Canadian artist and musician, Gregg Simpson has exhibited his paintings, drawings, and works on paper throughout Canada, the US, Europe, South America and Asia. In Paris, his work has been exhibited and published by two renowned art historians who were both colleagues of the Surrealist group’s founder, André Breton. The first, José Pierre, included the artist in his landmark book, “L’Univers Surréaliste" (Paris, 1983), while Sarane Alexandrian mentioned Simpson’s work in his famous periodical, “Supériore Inconnu” (Paris, 1999).

Martina Scavone, Critic and Co-Curator, Rome, 2025

Online Press Release