In Fairyland, Greco has created a theatrical spectacle that is peculiar, visually arresting and deeply personal. He challenges his own reserved nature and internalized homophobia by making work that is, in his words, “boldly queer” and “openly flamboyant”. Touching on the tableau of the Temptation of St. Anthony of the Desert and the perilous trials of Herakles, Greco turns to camp and light humour to explore these deep existential themes. “I draw indiscriminately upon diverse seemingly unrelated archetypes and themes from many sources, including Classical mythology, British folklore, Wagnerian operas and the biblical text of my Catholic youth,” says Greco, “doing so in order to touch upon that which is culturally familiar to me, to others – and if we believe Jung – found deeply rooted as archetypes in our souls.” While the work possesses decidedly camp sensibilities it is never ironic nor cynical, “…for no other reason than the inherent affection I hold for my motley crew of heroes, saints and sinners,” Greco said.
Leonard Greco has had a successful career as a decorative painter and muralist for over 25 years. He is also a self-taught painter and printmaker living in Los Angeles who has been exhibiting his artworks in local and international group exhibitions since 2011. These include shows at the Pasadena Museum of California Art (2011); Clive Hicks Jenkins, Wales, UK (2012); Couturier Gallery Los Angeles (2014) and La Luz de Jesus (2016). In 2017 his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions including “Stitch Fetish 5,” The Hive, Los Angeles; “Pickles Galore,” curated by Linda Vallejo, Lamperouge Gallery, Los Angeles; “The Faces Within,” South Bay Contemporary, San Pedro and” With Liberty and Justice for Some,” Walter Maciel Gallery, Los Angeles.
www.leonardgreco.me
Music / Song: Kyrie / Artist: Arcanta / Album: The Eternal Return (1997)
L.A. Art Contemporary / www.laartdocuments.com www.lancastermoah.org/cedar-leonard-greco