MICHAEL TARBI THE HUMAN CONDITION

Thomas Robertello Gallery is pleased to present The Human Condition – the first solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by Philadelphia based artist Michael Tarbi. Ambitiously exploring weighty themes of life and death through anatomical imagery, Tarbi’s expertly detailed work is chilling and awe-inspiring in concept and execution. Through the use of sterile images depicting animals, human organs, fetuses, limbs, and careful composition, the artist poses many unanswerable questions confronting the human race. Basic issues including the definition of life, death, war, poverty, overpopulation, disease, decomposition of the body and spirit are dealt with in the most stark, deadpan manner. His searing images of harsh unavoidable realities tap into the darkest fears and emotions imbedded in the psychology of mankind. While not mercilessly devoid of humor, the artist wickedly threatens us with grim reminders of a common destiny and inevitable cycle we are part of regardless of personal choice.

Michael Tarbi was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1980. He graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2002 and currently lives and works in Philadelphia. His work has been exhibited at the Carnegie Museum Pittsburgh, The Corcoran Gallery of Art Washington, DC, the Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, White Box NY, and the Jewish Museum of Greater Pittsburgh.

Press

Time Out Chicago by Erik Wenzel (link)

Time Out Chicago by Erik Wenzel (text)

Michael Tarbi

The Human Condition
December 1, 2006 - January 27, 2007

Installation Views

Artist Michael Tarbi with Self-portrait as a Hunting Target

Artist Michael Tarbi with Self-portrait as a Hunting Target


Works

The Human Condition

Michael Tarbi, The Human Condition, 2006

The Human Condition (detail)

Michael Tarbi, The Human Condition (detail), 2006

Self-portrait as a Hunting Target

Michael Tarbi, Self-portrait as a Hunting Target, 2006

Narcirrhosis

Michael Tarbi, Narcirrhosis, 2006

Y & X

Michael Tarbi, Y & X, 2006

The Butterfly Watcher

Michael Tarbi, The Butterfly Watcher, 2006

Death Machine

Michael Tarbi, Death Machine, 2006

The End

Michael Tarbi, The End, 2006

The Nature of All Things Living

Michael Tarbi, The Nature of All Things Living, 2006

Transfiguration

Michael Tarbi, Transfiguration, 2006

Pangaea

Michael Tarbi, Pangaea, 2005

Pangaea (detail)

Michael Tarbi, Pangaea (detail), 2005

Nest

Michael Tarbi, Nest, 2005

Anatomical Collection

Michael Tarbi, Anatomical Collection, 2005

Anatomical Head

Michael Tarbi, Anatomical Head, 2005

The Breeder

Michael Tarbi, The Breeder, 2005

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