FRESH AIR
ERIC SESTO
24 October–10 November

“Fresh Air” is a collection of paintings and drawings that represent a rebirth in the artist’s output and perspective. Centered on ideas of regeneration, neurodiversity, meditation, and discovery; Sesto combines post-impressionist and surrealist aesthetics to create dreamy and introspective works that push the viewer inwards and outwards at once. 

Initially inspired by a six-month road trip around Australia and by the restorative quality of spending extended periods of time outdoors, Sesto continued to explore the metaphor of a ‘fresh breath of air’ for the mind and soul. 

The works celebrate reinvigoration. However they are not hopelessly escapist. In contrast with global wellness trends that over-prescribe positivity, Sesto’s body of work embraces challenge, reluctant acceptance, and vulnerability. In his execution the artist makes generous use of the healing properties of colour and beauty. 

In re-envisioning portrait and landscape traditions, the work represents a dedication to becoming a healthier self, and a testament to resolving difficult moments in life by simply breathing and continuing forward. In defiance to artwork that is purely referential to the canon of art and global art fashions, Sesto offers to the viewer artwork that is developed as ‘medicine for the soul’.