Top Knot 

Dan Graziano made this painting, "Top Knot", using strong color contrasts and a texture-rich surface. The interplay of light and shadow and the way the figure blends into the background, creates a contemplative mood. The composition centers on the back view of a figure, whose form is built from bold strokes of yellow and black. The figure is cropped to show their upper body only. The gaze is oriented toward an object that almost blends into the background. Graziano's brushwork destabilizes established meanings by merging figure and ground, reality and abstraction. What this signifies depends upon your interpretation. The material quality of the paint and loose handling adds another layer of complexity, challenging our perception and creating a powerful viewing experience. Like a visual puzzle, the painting invites you to examine it closely and to create your own meaning.