Vincent Rossi's work, titled "Richfoods," aptly represents the current situation in the United States of America. The work derives its strength from its representation of the consumptive culture of the US, and from its political meanings as well. The artist is not only able to depict the realm of the capitalistic culture, but also the implications of political decisions backed by capitalistic interests. Naturally, as the representative of one of the richest countries in the world, the US government has great interests in the international political game. In this case, the political decisions regarding the US foreign policy often result in animosity and oppositions from other parts of the world. After the Cold War, without any strong political power that is able to counter the US policy, the animosity is often manifested in terror activities, the September 11 tragedy being one of its most horrific events.

Vincent Rossi's works clearly represent the various layers of problems that are related with the daily life of the American people, seen mostly from the point of view of the general public - who is now feeling terrified by threats of terrorism. In "Richfoods," it is clear that Rossi is trying to portray the fear of terrors of chemical substances or poisons, which can seep into the daily life of the US people by way of their meals.

Vincent Rossi's works are indeed simple and verbal, and it is interesting to note that they are coldly presented - just like in pop-art works. The minimum touches Rossi gives to the works - such as in the depiction of measles' spots on the surface of a bottle, creating thus a mutant bottle - speak strongly of the chemical 'threat' that can seep into the supermarket, a public space most familiar for the US people. At first glance, Rossi's works can be deceitful, as it seems to talk about the popular culture. At a closer look, however, the details provided by the artist will bring us meanings that are deeper than merely the popular culture.

Rossi's works become even more interesting as his works show us how an artwork can be read in the social and political contexts where it has been created. Without the threats of terror, the work titled "Richfoods" may be read differently. Without the paranoia about such threats of terror, the mutant milk bottle and the measles spots on it may be interpreted more as the representation of a 'sickness' caused by the greed and the over-consumptive nature of the general American public. Apparently, Rossi is acutely aware of that. He says, "Meanwhile we are alarmed by the heightened security warning like 'Code Orange,' which does nothing but adding to our confusion and prejudice."

Asmudjo Jono Irianto

Born on March 5, 1973 in Stratford, New Jersey.
Studied at The University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA (BFA; 1998), The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Philadelphia, PA (1999), Goldsmiths College, University of London, London, UK (MFA; 2001).

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2003 Solo Performance piece at Sainsbury's Supermarket, London, UK.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
1998 The Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery. Philadelphia, PA.
1999 Meredith Gallery. Baltimore, MD.
1999-2000 Piedmont Arts Association. Martinsville, VA.
2000 Arkansas Art Center. Little Rock, AK.
2001 Philadelphia Art Alliance. Philadelphia, PA; Itinerant Sculptors. Two person show, New York, Chelsea NY.
2002 Installation at Shopper's Supermarket, Washington D.C.
2003 Art in Northern Liberties 2. Group show, Philadelphia, PA.

back to top