Art, for me, is a visual language that expresses what words often cannot. This collection blends portraits, abstracts, and unguarded moments, capturing fleeting instances through light, shadow, color, and form, presented side by side in pairs. Just as musical notes played together create overtones, the blending of these images forms a resonance greater than the sum of its parts. These works invite you to embrace the present, see beyond assumptions, and experience the rawness of what is. Presence itself becomes the subject, where meaning is felt, not explained, and where the act of being transforms into poetry.
My father, Frank Rampolla (1931-1971), was a prominent figurative expressionist oil painter in the transformative 1960s. His art delved into the complexities of the human condition, emphasizing themes like individual dignity, the impact of war, loneliness, and the quest for profound faith.
Central to his work was the portrayal of human disconnection, even in depictions of multiple figures, conveying an underlying sense of isolation.
Inspired by his legacy, I explore the prevalent lack of emotional connection in today's world. Despite technological advancements, many experience profound isolation, contributing to societal unease. This collection aims to evoke the universal experience of loneliness, prompting viewers to reflect on their own connections and the depth of human interaction.
These images explore light, tone, and form as shifting forces—less as objects to be seen, more as sensations to be felt. Each photograph captures a moment when atmosphere becomes presence, and memory slips into something more immediate: mood, texture, light.
Unbound from specific time or place, the landscapes exist on their own terms—quiet, abstract, and alive. The work borrows from the way Monet and Turner softened the edges of the visible world, dissolving form into light, and echoes the more abstract spaces of Zao Wou-Ki, where form disappears entirely.
Echoes of Light lives in that in-between space—where reality blurs, and what remains is light, air, and the feeling they carry.
In an era where art and life blend, life seeks constant validation. Immersing in nature becomes a path to rediscover life's essence. Amidst the pull of the world, connecting with nature realigns us with life's core.
Nature, for me, is a source of clarity and spiritual purification. It creates a synergy with the past and those who traversed this earth. In the present, it forms a harmonious unity and possesses inherent healing qualities.
This collection captures my synergy with nature, reflecting emotions and sensations when enveloped by its embrace. The images reflect nature's impact on my inner world, encapsulating the essence of my sanctuary.
Kairos explores the interplay of movement, texture, and color, with fluid, ink-like forms merging with vibrant hues to evoke the dynamic energy of a pivotal moment. Textured surfaces reveal layers of imperfection, highlighting the complexity and nuance of existence.
Rather than depicting something tangible, this series seeks to embody the raw energy of transformation. Inspired by Kandinsky’s belief that abstraction reveals deeper truths, Kairos strips away the unnecessary to reveal the essential rhythms of life.
At its core, Kairos invites viewers to step into a moment of change, offering a chance to experience the tension between chaos and order and to connect with the pulse of life itself in the present moment.
Traveling across the United States, I connect with people in urban landscapes, capturing their portraits and stories with their consent.
While not every portrait depicts homelessness, the streets host a diverse array of lives, each with its own narrative. Despite this diversity, a deep sense of loneliness is a common thread in many encounters. The emotions within these narratives—regret, lost love, abandonment, fear, loneliness, joy, and hope—blend into a powerful composite.
I intentionally focus on their humanity, not just their circumstances. That’s why there are no environmental portraits in this collection. Through my portraits, I aim to prompt introspection, encouraging recognition of our shared vulnerabilities and interconnectedness. It's not just about the dignity of the homeless; it's about all of us and our fundamental human needs—belonging, respect, love, and kindness.