Josette Urso's watercolor paintings are an urgent, immediate attempt to capture the visual variety and specificity of her environment. Whether working in plein-air during her travels (in this case, during her residency at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle, Ireland), or looking out over the sweeping view of Brooklyn from her studio, Urso employs her peculiar, energetic visual language of detailed acrobatic forms to heighten and expand the experience of a place, of a room, of a life of ordinary things. All of the elements of place from every direction are captured in one plane, exploring its forms, light, and energy. The juxtaposition of intricate detailing with swaths of color leads the eye on a constant journey around the paper, the sense of exploration paralleling its creation.

See this work in "One View / Two Visions II - Ireland," an exhibition of paintings by Urso and Peter Schroth created during their 2022 joint fellowship residency at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ireland. The exhibition is on view at DFN Projects through March 31, and an opening reception will be held Friday, March 24, from 5:30-7:30pm. Click here to learn more.