Power of Paper Paul Rousso

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FOREWORD JAZZ CHONG Director, ODE TO ART

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is my distinct pleasure to introduce Paul Rousso, an American contemporary artist whose captivating works explore the intersection of art and technology. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting Paul in his dynamic studio in North Carolina, where I witnessed his creative energy in producing this remarkable body of work for the exhibition.

In this exhibition, Paul presents a series of mesmerizing dimensional reliefs that transcend conventional artistic boundaries. Through his masterful use of unconventional materials and deliberate scale enlargement, he amplifies the impact of his works, rendering them fascinating. Immerse yourself in Paul's realm, where digital money and magazines have replaced paper, prompting contemplation of the profound changes our world has undergone.

His visually stunning artwork serves as a commentary on the rapid pace of technological change that has transformed our world.

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Paul invites us to reflect on how our lives have been altered by these advancements and the resulting influence on our relationship with paper and tangible objects.

Paul's work stands as a testament to his boundless creativity and classical training. He has diligently explored the symbiotic realm between art and technology, evident in each piece he creates. Through his art, he encourages us to ponder the transformative power of technology and its far-reaching implications.

Paul's art serves as a poignant reminder that advancements come with the future, urging us to shape the direction technology takes while considering the repercussions of our dependence on it.

I am thrilled to present Paul Rousso’s exceptional work in this exhibition which encapsulates his unique ethic and profound artistic vision. Beyond being a talented artist, Paul has become a dear friend and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him and his wife, Joy, for their warmth and hospitality throughout our collaboration.

I am excited to present Paul Rousso’s exceptional work in this exhibition which encapsulates his unwavering dedication and profound artistic vision. Beyond being a talented artist, Paul has become a dear friend and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him and his wife, Joy, for their warmth and hospitality throughout our collaboration.

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5K YANKEE Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 104.14 x 17.78 x 180.34 cm

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A WASHED 500 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 106.68 x 17.78 x 185.42 cm

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A YELLOWED 10,000 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 104.14 x 12.7 x 201.93 cm

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Showcasing Asian currency bills in a swirling dome, “Asian Bubble Cash 1” highlights the fast growing financial and cultural economy of Asia. Paul Rousso’s ingenious use of currency bills celebrates the rise and influence of Asia as a vibrant economic center. In “Asian Bubble Cash 1”, the artist invites viewers to understand the growing significance of Asia and serves as a testament to the power, diversity and immense potential that Asia represents on the world stage.

ASIAN BUBBLE CASH 1 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 40.64 x 40.64 x 20.32 cm

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ASIAN BUBBLE CASH 2 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 40.64 x 40.64 x 20.32 cm

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ASIAN BUBBLE CASH 3 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 40.64-x-40.64-x-20.32 cm

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CASH CRUNCH Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 121.92 x 22.86 x 148.59 cm

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CASH MONEY OVERFLOW Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 120.54 x 17.78 x 129.5 cm

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"Cash on the Table " is an iconic artwork by contemporary artist Paul Rousso, reflecting his unique interpretation of the cultural significance of paper currency. This piece features currency bills from different countries, including South Korea and Singapore, arranged in a visually compelling trail. The arrangement of the currency bills tells the story of money's global reach and its power to connect people, cultures, and economies. With "Cash on the Table," Paul Rousso demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of paper currency in a truly captivating and memorable way.

CASH ON THE TABLE Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 157.48 x 5.08 x 96.52 cm

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CASH RESERVE Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 167.64 x 5.08 x 98.52 cm

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COCA COLA INTERNATIONAL Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 71.12 x 53.34 x 53.34 cm

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STARBUCKS INTERNATIONAL Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 78.74 x 66.06 x 66.04 cm

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“The Big Money Bag” features currency bills exploding dramatically out of an iconic Chanel bag. Paul Rousso combines the allure of luxury and the fragility and transience of financial value. Questioning the sustainability and lasting significance of paper currency in an increasingly digital era, Paul Rousso prompts us to wonder if the tangible nature of money is rapidly transforming into an abstract concept.

THE BIG MONEY BAG Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 63.5 x 53.34 x 58.42 cm

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This large and impressive piece features currency bills from all around the world. The intricate arrangement of the bills creates a mesmerising effect, capturing the viewer's attention with its vibrant colours, dynamic textures, and unique patterns. The sheer size and length of "International Money" makes it a commanding presence, symbolising the reach and power of global currencies.

Through this masterpiece, Paul Rousso brings to life the cultural significance of money.

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY GROWTH Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 215.9 x 5.08 x 127 cm

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THE MANY FACES OF MONEY Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 152.4 x 20.32 x 96.52 cm

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WALL OF CASH Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 116.84 x 15.24 x 144.78 cm

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THE COLOR OF CASH Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 116.84 x 15.24 x 144.78 cm

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MONEY BLOOM Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 215.9 x 5.08 x 127 cm

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WINNER'S PURSE Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 104.14 x 20.32 x 182.88 cm

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“Winner’s Purse” is a captivating artwork that exemplifies the innovative approach of artist Paul Rousso, who skillfully employs the technique of “Flat Depth”. This mesmerising piece features a 1000 US dollar bill, magnified to an impressive scale. The juxtaposition of the monumental bill with the concept of Flat Depth challenges our perception of traditional two-dimensional art.

Rousso’s meticulous craftsmanship in capturing every intricate detail and texture of the bill gives the artwork a sense of realism that invites viewers to contemplate the inherent value and transience of paper in our society.

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MONEY WELL SPENT Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 130.81 x 17.78 x 130.81 cm

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MONEY SPOUT Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 71.12 x 53.34 x 53.34 cm

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BATMAN Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 91 x 246 x 23 cm

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BATMAN #20 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 86 × 218 × 20cm

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LOIS LANE SUPERMAN OCTOBER #36 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 36 x 102 x 7 inch

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WONDERWOMAN #242 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 84 x 201 x 18 cm

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X-MEN APRIL #75 Mixed media on hand-sculpted Polysterene 34 x 104 x 8 inch

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ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

American artist Paul Rousso is renowned for his concept, “Flat Depth”, which he has been refining his entire professional career, and which he sees as the logical progression of art.

Flat Depth aspires to render a flat object three-dimensional, or to collapse a threedimensional object into two-dimensions and is a fusion of countless complex artistic methods such as painting, printing, sculpting, welding, chemistry, digital manipulation, and digital printing. Through heat infusion with polystyrene and plexiglass, Rousso creates his captivating hyper-realistic, hyper-sized, popart inspired sculptures.

With influences ranging from Dr. Seuss to Roy Lichtenstein, Rousso casts his pop art sensibilities on a 21st-century scale. His first summer job - designing the Tribeca loft of Robert De Niro - combined with stints as a Hollywood scenic artist and a brief career steeped in the cosmetics industry as an art director, lend a wry touch to the social commentary woven through his work, and his vast and encompassing worldview flavours

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everything he creates. The ink and paper era is drawing to a close. “All this stuff,” as the artist puts it, “is going away.” Rousso's fascination with paper - currency, advertising, newspapers, magazines - its history and use, its rise and fall, is an emblematic theme reflected frequently in his compositions. Despite the complexity of Rousso's artistic output, the character and subject matter of the art are relatable to all citizens of the world, so much so that it practically jumps off the wall, and straight into the viewer's consciousness.

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EXHIBITIONS

2023 Power of Paper, Singapore, Ode to Art 2022 Paul Rousso: Masters, Avant Gallery WANROOIJ GALLERY at Art Miami 2022, Wanrooij Gallery Avant Gallery at Art Miami 2022, Avant Gallery SmithDavidson Gallery at Pan Amsterdam 2022, SmithDavidson Gallery Proyecto H / Galería Hispánica at Estampa Madrid 2022, Proyecto H / Galería Hispánica 2021 Paul Rousso, Lanoue Gallery Galería Hispánica at Estampa Madrid 2021, Proyecto H / Galería Hispánica Galería Hispánica at Art Madrid 2021, Proyecto H / Galería Hispánica Avant Gallery at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary | Art Wynwood 2021, Avant Gallery 2020 Paul Rousso, Lanoue Gallery Galería Hispánica at Estampa Madrid 2021, Proyecto H / Galería Hispánica Galería Hispánica at Art Madrid 2021, Proyecto H / Galería Hispánica Avant Gallery at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary | Art Wynwood 2021, Avant Gallery 2019 Art New York, SmithDavidson Gallery, Miami, USA 2018 'East meets West', SmithDavidson Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Art New York, USA Art Palm Beach, USA

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2017 Times Suspended II, SmithDavidson Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Art New York, New York City, USA Time Suspended, Miami Country Day School, Miami, USA PAN Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2016 Art Miami, USA PAN Amsterdam, The Netherlands Mix and Match Exhibition, SmithDavidson Gallery Amsterdam, The Netherlands Art New York, New York, USA Palm Beach Show, West Palm Beach Convention Center, USA 2015 Art Miami, Miami, USA PAN Art Fair, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Art New York, New York City, USA LA Art Show, Los Angeles, USA 2014 Scope Miami, Miami, USA Scope New York, New York City, USA LA Art Show, Los Angeles, USA 2013 Art Miami, Miami, USA Scope Basel, Basel, Switzerland Scope New York, New York City, USA Art Baltimore, Baltimore, USA Art Wynwood, Miami, USA 2012 Boston International Art Fair, Boston, USA LA Art Show, Los Angeles, USA 2011 The Butterfly Project, Holocaust Memorial. Sculpture for the Foundation of Shalom Park Scope Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Scope New York, USA; Scope Miami, USA 2007 Onessimo, Palm Beach Gardens, USA FADA, Los Angeles, USA

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ODE TO ART 252 NORTH BRIDGE ROAD, RAFFLES CITY SHOPPING CENTRE, #01-36E/F, SINGAPORE 179103 TEL: +65 6250 1901 FAX: +65 6250 5354 INFO@ODETOART.COM ODETOART.COM NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, OR STORED IN A DATABASE OR RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER PRINTED AND BOUND IN SINGAPORE © ODE TO ART 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED