Gallery 5 Exhibition Archive
Hugo Baratta
Hugo Baratta (1948-2010) was a prolific painter. His studio was Starbucks in Harvard Square. In the time it took to drink a cup of coffee with Baratta, he might produce two or even three of his small watercolors on paper, each executed with precision and a specific vision. The small collection of Baratta's work on exhibit here was collected over the years by his fellow artist and friend of fifteen years, Thomas William Flynn. Three photographs of Baratta by Flynn are included in this exhibition. The photographs of Baratta were taken over a single day. As Flynn describes, "This portrait sitting occurred in Somerville, MA at St. Catherine of Genoa Church in early 2002. The location was chosen by Hugo. It took seven years for him to trust me enough to photograph him as an artist."
Due to the difficulties that Hugo faced in his life, one might be tempted to interpret Baratta's work solely through the lens of a psychological portrait. In this exhibition, the viewer is encouraged to consider Baratta's work not simply for its autobiographical content, but as a commentary on us all. Where do we find ourselves among the cast of characters that Baratta has documented in his paintings? To what extent does the anxiety evident in Baratta's work characterize our own lives? The watercolors of Hugo Baratta have a power that extends beyond Baratta's individual life circumstances. They are compelling reminders of our own humanity and our need, indeed our obligation, to embrace the diverse and eclectic array of people that make up this world, as Baratta has represented them to us in his work. Learn more about Hugo Baratta »
Eileen Gagarin
letting letters loose
Paul McAllister
Naoko Matsumoto
Reminiscence and Space
