In a catalogue essay of artist Fabrizio Gerbino and his works, Graham Shearing, a noted art critic, writes, “It is all his own painstaking work, flawlessly executed; the gilded frame personally bespoken of a Florentine craftsman; all spotlighted and set apart, to serve as a kind of presiding genius.”

To cast further enlightenment on the intense thought with which Gerbino approaches a subject, is to paint a picture, in and of itself, of a man who is besieged by his subject and compelled to engage in the complexities of the simple and forgotten with purpose and masterful perfection. He paints not so much what he sees as much as what he hears and does so as if a privileged listener of a story as it’s being told, and, therefore, carefully records all the subject had to say.

“Madonna Del Magnificat” – 2003. Watercolor on parchment. 7" diameter. Inspired from Sandro Botticelli, 1481.

“Prima Materia I” – 2005. Oil and acrylic on canvas. 16" x 16".

“Prima Materia II” – 2005. Oil on canvas. 16" x 16".

“Prima Materia III” – 2005. Oil and acrylic on canvas. 16" x 16".

Retrieved from the aftermath of this dramatic paranormal relationship are works of art, which capture a kind of deep communication that is far too obscure for that which is spoken to proclaim. Critics and patrons alike value Gerbino’s ability to make intimate that which is far removed. His work has been hailed as an interesting blend of figurative and abstract. Conclusively, recondite and well-attended Gerbino’s pieces resonate with all the intrigue and wonder of a well-told story. Much of it is riddled with strong alchemistic influences and, as one critic grappled with the enigmatical, simply concluded Gerbino’s work as ”metaphysical” in presence.

Conversation with Fabrizio Gerbino is much easier. It is evident that he is quite Florentine, speaking with more than mere accent to that of full-blown persona Italiano engagement that wafts in the air through inflections, gestures, intellect and passion. Gerbino began his study of art as a child under the instruction of his father, who was also an artist. After five years of classical education at the Istituto Statale D’ Arte, in Florence, Gerbino retreated away from Florence with his tools, his talent and training.

“To truly explore who I was to become as an artist, I felt compelled to go outside Florence, which may sound odd to people. For me though, it made perfect sense; much like when someone who starts a new job after years of education is told, ‘Now forget everything you’ve been taught!’” He returned several years later and ultimately established himself as a successful artist, exhibiting extensively in Italy and Germany.

With his reputation growing abroad, Gerbino and his wife, Cynthia Lutz, felt that it was time to explore other opportunities as well as reconnect with family here in the United States. Though challenges remain, his popularity as an emerging artist is gaining recognition.

His local solo exhibitions to date include Tria Prima, at 5151 Penn; Sacrobosco, Artspace 303, Homestead; Prima Materia, Digging Pitt Gallery; La Soglia, and Jeffery Smith Studio, all in Pittsburgh. In addition, his accomplishments abroad include La Via, Ateliers Hoherweg eV, Dusseldorf, Germany (Artist in Residence), Villa Romana, and Florence (Artist in Residence). Prominent group exhibitions worldwide include Pittsburgh’s Best, Three Rivers Arts Festival PPG Winter Garden, 95th & 96th Annual Exhibition of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh.

Gerbino’s works are included in the permanent collections of prominent individuals and companies: RJ LeeGroup, Inc., The Elmhurst Group in the Rand Building (Lobby), Gateway Financial Inc, ADP, Inc., Mancini’s Bakery, Atliers Hoherweg eV in Dusseldorf, Germany; Eli Lilly Corporation, Florence Italy; Casa Masaccio, San Giovanni Valdarno; and actor David Conrad. Gerbino’s work has been reviewed various esteemed curators and has been written about in the numerous publications from around the world.

Gerbino is moved by the very foundation that also under girds his steps, which seems only fitting for one having been steeped among a people known for centuries as artistic innovators and brilliant inventors far beyond their time. It should be little wonder that the classically trained Florentine is ever evolving. Seeded in the fertility of Renaissance to bring forth new and wondrous creations is plainly a natural occurrence, and yet hardly are such changes ever observed until long after their time.

“Cages II” – 2006. Oil and acrylic on canvas. 34" x 22".	“The Portal I” – Oil and acrylic on canvas. 30" x 30".

Taking note of Gerbino’s work evokes a sensation that one is privy to be witnessing greatness in the making. It is the overwhelming evidence of his work that gives testament to the secret treasures that lay deep within the creative soul of Gerbino...not out of betrayal but promise! As it was in the day when his heritage was blossoming amongst a city of would be masters, there is awakened a consciousness that rivals reason and rallies through the ages to conjure up aspirations that bring forth new creations among new generations.

Fabrizio Gerbino resides in Stowe Township with his wife Cynthia and son Gabriele. The Fabrizio Gerbino Studio can be toured by private appointment. Please direct all inquiries to 412.771.0931.