CJ Mazzalupo Paintings

Arabic and Asian modes of writing are inherently artistic, aesthetic. They have beauty and interest on their own, without having to know what is even being said. Not so with the Roman alphabet. It's true that Roman lettering can be made somewhat beautiful through the exertions of calligraphers or graffiti artists. But the beauty isn't inherent. I like Roman alphabet words and lettering in art precisely because it's sort of ugly. It's very artlessness adds some friction, some tension. CJ Mazzalupo is a very talented (now) Somerville-based artist who is doing really wry, exciting work incorporating words. I saw the above work at Debbie Nadolney's AMP gallery this summer in Provincetown. It's called "The Circle of Life, Everything" and it's 48" x 48".