Japanese Lanterns 

Joseph Lorusso’s oil on canvas, “Japanese Lanterns,” presents a figure amidst glowing lanterns against a dark, patterned backdrop. The painting evokes a sense of intimacy and reflection. The woman’s dress and the lanterns indicate the painting is referencing Japanese culture. In Western art, representations of Asian cultures have a complex history, often exoticizing or misrepresenting Eastern traditions and people. In this context, the woman's engagement with the lanterns appears more intimate than performative. The soft light and the focus on her internal experience suggest that the artist is interested in a more personal connection to the subject. The artwork invites us to consider the cross-cultural exchange, and the nuances of how we perceive and represent one another across different cultural contexts. By focusing on the individual's quiet moment, Lorusso shifts away from broader cultural statements, towards a more personal and emotional narrative.