About Disparity
‘Disparity’ – The Artworks of RUSSELL RISKO. This painting explores the ways in which human depth perception is possible (as in Retinal Disparity). Or, is it a measure of non-equality? The word is often used to describe a social or economic condition that is considered unequal. For me, the disparity in this painting is referenced by the distance between corresponding elements. The painting explores the visible split between line weights, the disparity of directional paths, shapes of fragments, linear patterns, tetradic colors – and how they all seamlessly fit together.
The foundation of this painting is inspired by the reimagined likeness of actress Barbara Stanwyck. Quintessential disparity, Stanwyck’s career path emphasizes strong differences between her 1920s Ziegfeld chorus girl debut – and her Broadway, film and 1980s television achievements.
Vision Statement
This painting is one in a series titled ‘Head Games’. The series reflects the grief surrounding the recent political unrest, the pandemic, and the alteration of life that we’ve all endured. It explores the tension and torment symbolized through facial fragments and linear patterns. The paintings in this series are not intended to be likenesses of anyone you might recognize. But, their expressions may conjure other heartfelt interpretations.
The Symbolism of Color
This painting employs analogous variations of the color Blue as its dominant color. The overall composition is constructed using two sets of complementary color pairs – colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel (or a Tetradic Color Scheme). This color formula creates color balance and harmony throughout the painting.
What are “Tetradic Colors”? Tetradic colors are two sets of complementary pairs that are found opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme is also referred to as Double-Complementary colors or a Rectangular Color Scheme.
About the Artist
Russell Risko is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Fine Artist. During his 40-year career as a visual communicator, Russ achieved leadership roles as Art Director, Creative Director, Principal Partner and Ad Agency President. His work has appeared in countless regional, national and e-zine publications and website properties.
Today, Russ has entered the final chapter of his career, unfettered by the “need-it-yesterday” time constraints of the advertising and marketing world. Now in retirement, he has the opportunity to move beyond his commercial art past and exercise his fine art instincts, to give birth to new visual perspectives and to invest in the time necessary for such exploration.
Contact me on Instagram if you have any questions or interest in available artworks.
Explore the entire ‘Head Games’ series of paintings.