Old School Attitude 

Editor: Here we have Joseph Lorusso’s "Old School Attitude," an oil painting depicting a man in sunglasses and a suit. He appears pensive, perhaps even troubled. What do you see in this piece beyond the surface? Curator: It’s a powerful portrait, isn't it? The figure’s posture, combined with the title, immediately sparks a conversation about masculinity, particularly its performance and expectations across different generations. What is Lorusso trying to convey about the sitter’s attitude through the realist style? The figure seems confined and almost drowning. What social commentary, if any, do you think the artist tries to engage with through that imagery? Editor: That’s a really interesting take. I hadn’t thought about it in terms of the pressure of masculine ideals. Do you think the use of sunglasses adds to that? Maybe suggesting a need to hide emotions? Curator: Precisely! Sunglasses often act as a shield, a way to obscure vulnerability. The way he's touching his head too, perhaps hints at the mental load of upholding a certain facade, an "old school attitude," if you will. Considering Lorusso’s broader body of work, how does this piece fit into a larger narrative about identity, representation, and the individual experience within societal structures? Also the brush strokes give an unfinished sense to it, could this point to some type of breakdown? Editor: It sounds like the artist may want the viewer to understand the emotional costs and anxieties these power structures may have. That would definitely give the title "Old School Attitude" an edge. It’s much more loaded than I originally perceived. Curator: Exactly. This is a visual language that asks us to consider the weight of history, gender roles, and the silent struggles that often lie beneath a carefully constructed image. There’s an element of complicity as well since the suit clearly speaks of societal aspirations. Editor: I think I will look at realist portraits a bit differently after this conversation, thanks! Curator: And hopefully understand art and its cultural value a bit better! It has been my pleasure.