Victoria Donohoe

One of Philadelphia’s most promising young artists, Philadelphia College of Art–trained Johnny Aiello is soloing in prints at The Towne Gallery, 2116 Locust St.

Including etchings, lithographs, wood and linoleum cuts, the show stresses versatility in the handling of print media, and in adaptation of line to emotional reaction---fine and sensitive when the subject matter is old masterish; black, white and bold when it is surrealistic.

Aiello’s thinking is figurative, whether he deals with human or fantastic creatures. Flitting, perching, pouncing or darting through many of his compositions are bird shapes.

A series of nudes in interiors is matched by weirdly dismembered human limbs with or without bird accompaniment.

Aiello’s message often is cryptic. Recurring is a Picassoish donkey–headed creature that smacks of surrealistic satire. In “The Rescue” such a figure, holding a bird form, wades through black water; while in “Before and After” it is shown with an all-human nude.

Dismembered body parts and predatory birds shape the design of “The Attack.”

For such a study as “Dedee,” however (girl leaning head on arms), Aiello follows in the footsteps of the Impressionists.

Labels: JOHNNY AIELLO EXHIBITS