Cultural constructs of masculinity

Jorgenson Center for the Perfoming Arts
University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Brad Guarino: Man to Man
Through Dec. 11 2009.

An Imprecise Center of Gravity, oil on canvas(diptych), 48x90" (122x228cm)

Press release

Brad Guarino’s paintings and drawings confront issues of masculinity. They are narratives aimed at exploring the struggles that men face when trying to understand their own maleness and while attempting to connect with one another. Guarino is interested in the ways in which our cultural constructs of masculinity operate to both enhance and thwart bonds between men. His visual narratives employ humor and an implied sense of threat to emphasize the sometimes absurd preconceptions and behaviors that influence relationships between men. As an accomplished artist, Guarino has received many awards including: a Fulbright Fellowship, two Griffis and Orpheus Foundation fellowships and an Artist Fellowship program grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. He has also won awards from the Society of American Graphic Artists and at Connecticut State Artist’s Exhibitions. Guarino holds an MFA from the University of Connecticut and a BFA from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Guarino teaches painting and drawing at Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut, Storrs. He lives and works in New London, Connecticut.