Gregory Kitterle (b. Boston, 1954) is an American painter who crafts oneiric paintings by using timeless techniques reminiscent of Pompeian fresco and seventeenth-century masters. He grew up amidst the dark purple-blues and greens of New England, which are at once serene and disturbing (having given rise to both Hawthorne and Transcendentalism), and this sense of unquiet transpires into his work. Kitterle was educated under the method of the Abstract Expressionist Hans Hoffman, and his experience at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts contributes to his mastery for layering historical influences with contemporary perspectives. His textured surfaces possess the polished, luscious appeal of traditional fresco, guiding the eye across irregular forms and blending painterly expertise with a deep respect for history. He is based in Randolph, MA.
Gregory Kitterle’s work captivates through its blend of timeless aesthetics and intricate surface textures. His mastery of traditional fresco techniques and layered compositions evoke a tactile history, with cracks and imperfections that speak to themes of decay, memory, and the passage of time. By merging the figurative and the abstract, Kitterle creates enigmatic environments that invite prolonged contemplation. His use of dramatic light and shadow heightens the emotional intensity of his pieces, suggesting both the divine and the mysterious.
Works such as Eris at Play and King’s Bath showcase his ability to infuse mythological symbolism within surreal settings, drawing viewers into complex, layered narratives. While his paintings demand intellectual engagement, the implied narratives and abstracted elements might prove challenging for those seeking immediate clarity. Nevertheless, Kitterle’s work stands as a testament to the power of texture, light, and symbolism in transforming the painted surface into an evocative journey.
My work stems from my interest in how the eye leads and is lead. The majority of how and what one sees is fragmentary and laced with ambiguity.
