ince
the early days of 'The Art of The Cocktail,' Adam Scott Rote's subject matter
and techniques have earned him a loyal following, when in 1989 his gallery
first opened on Duval Street in Key West. His paintings throughout the last
decade have been influenced by surrealist master artist Salvador Dali, and
'pop pin-up' painters Vargas and McGinnis. Woven through the mixed media
works, his visionary inspirations are derived from architecture, fashion
and classic cinema.
"American Ruins," the beautifully ethereal collection based
on the historic architecture of New England was inspired by a photographic
diary of places - catching the beauty, the decay and the neglect. Magnificent
structures built in a century of lost craftsmanship, abandoned over the
decades. As the paint peels back from the walls, one senses the rooms
as time capsules, life flowing backwards to be revealed in a palette of
colors from bygone eras. Oils and acrylics encompassing the body of the
work, watercolor and pastels supplying the detail. "I wanted to capture
a moment of forgotten space, and marry it to the now." Using his
trademark ethereal objects and figures that invoke feelings of a faded
photograph; he drew on the 1960's for a dramatic timeline for the original
series.
Continuing on his 'Ruins' theme, the new brightly colored canvases, despite
having a thoroughly refreshing feel to them, immediately suggest an innately
nostalgic and romantic notion - one, uniquely American. But they are more
than just that. The newer work adheres to that intrinsic idea, that the
subject - whether animal, vegetable or mineral undergoes a kind of rebirth
to become an object, not only of past desire but essentially an icon of
permanent importance. Adam's work is about change, whether it be rusting
tin cans, derelict interiors or, ourselves. It is about adjustment, development
and acceptance.
Having enjoyed very favorable reviews from several recent art shows/fairs,
Adam's paintings continue to be exhibited, with permission, across the
United States, and are to be found in a growing number of private collections
throughout the world, including those of 'Oscar' winner Patricia Neal,
Grace Jones, Wyland, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. Collection Privee is
very proud to exclusively represent Adam Scott Rote, one of today's most
original and collectable artists.