Gianna Commito debuts at Pentimenti Gallery

Pentimenti Gallery is hosting the solo exhibition “Working Pattern” by Gianna Commito, May 23 through July 19, 2025, with an opening reception and conversation with the artist on May 23.

Commito transforms the seemingly mundane concept of stripes—a common pattern found on roadways, clothing, or warning signs—into vibrant compositions that speak to movement, guidance, and identity. Her unique approach uses these motifs as foundational elements, which then intersect with expressive brushwork, textural dabs, and delicate loops of shadow, creating a sense of depth and complexity that is best appreciated in person.

^{Left:”Untitled”, 17 x 13.75 inches, casein on paper, framed, 2023}

Gianna Commito – A Commitment to Historic Artistic Practices

With an MFA from the University of Iowa and a BFA from Alfred University, Gianna Commito is recognized for her significant contributions to contemporary abstraction. Her exhibitions span influential galleries and institutions across the United States, including Rachel Uffner Gallery in New York, the Akron Art Museum, and the FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art.

Her artistic merit is widely acknowledged through prestigious awards and international residencies, including the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, the Alfred-Düsseldorf Artist-in-Residence Program in Germany, and residencies at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. Commito’s works are also housed in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Columbus Museum of Art, further solidifying her place in the modern artistic canon.

The work is a sophisticated interplay between precise structural elements and fluid, spontaneous gestures. Her architecturally inspired paintings and works on paper are vividly orchestrated fields of color, composed of bold, intersecting lines and rhythmic patterns. Each composition evokes tension and harmony simultaneously, reflecting Commito’s ongoing fascination with built environments and the evolving dialogue between public and private spaces.

One of the compelling aspects of Gianna Commito’s work lies in her choice of traditional mediums and methods. Using casein—a historic, milk-based paint known for its unpredictable drying and texture—Commito engages in a direct, tactile dialogue with her materials. Applied onto paper or specially primed wooden panels, the rapid-drying nature of casein challenges and inspires Commito, allowing for a genuine sense of immediacy and spontaneity in her work.

^{Left: “Untitled”, 16 x 14 inches, etching, monoprint, and casein on paper, framed, edition 1 of 1, 2019
Right: “Untitled”, 16 x 14 inches, etching, monoprint, and casein on paper, framed, edition 1 of 1, 2019}

This approach to craftsmanship reflects Commito’s dedication to historical artistic practices, merging past techniques with contemporary themes. Her carefully constructed surfaces, primed with marble dust and hide glue, add a subtle richness that further deepens the visual experience of each piece.

“Working Pattern” – A Captivating Exhibition at Pentimenti Gallery

“Working Pattern” highlights some of Gianna Commito’s most intimate and compact pieces, inviting viewers into a close personal engagement. These smaller-scale works offer a unique perspective, where meticulous precision and calculated spontaneity create a powerful visual intensity. The carefully balanced relationships between color and form, scale and space, invite close observation and contemplation, enriching the viewer’s understanding and connection to her abstract narratives.

“Working Pattern” by Gianna Commito is a compelling exploration of form, color, and the built environment’s delicate balance. This exhibition at Pentimenti Gallery represents a must-see showcase of contemporary abstraction, where Commito’s detailed approach and innovative use of historical materials offer viewers an inspiring experience that resonates deeply with both historical context and modern sensibilities.