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.