“P25” by artist Pasta Pantaleo is a new collection of original acrylic paintings at the Hale Gallery. An opening reception held last month was filled with new and seasoned art collectors who flocked to see what Pasta’s been up to.
Located at 81888 Overseas Highway Unit 2 in Islamorada, the gallery is filled with new paintings of sailfish, which is one of the subjects Pasta is famous for, and plenty of works that invite viewers to remember their childhood dreams.
“This show really feels like I’ve cracked open my chest and shared my heart on the canvas,” said Pasta of the collection, which includes 10 new, original paintings of sailfish. “Everything I’ve learned about painting in my life has gone into this show.”
“Pasta is an absolute legend in Islamorada,” said gallery co-owner Taylor Hale. “He is an incredible inspiration to me as an artist. He has worked for years at his techniques and is one of the best. He is able to create movement and life with paint on the canvas in a way that is rare. Out of the studio, he is an incredible force of good in the community. He gives of his time and his art and his love for people, life and Islamorada is evident.”
Pasta paid tribute to some of the people who were influential in making his career here, and to those who were very influential in the growth of Islamorada.
“P25” signifies 25 years since Pasta started painting marine life. Each piece is an adage to the different places that he has taken us through the canvas — through vintage, pop art, palette knife paintings and abstracts.
“A Day in the Life” depicts the life of a sportfisher in Islamorada. It gives a vintage vibe and shares the chase of the fish and evokes the smallness that one feels on the water.
A piece called “Tiki Times” is Pasta’s tribute to pop culture in Islamorada.
“It shows the energy of the Keys that first attracted me to this place way back when, still evokes our spirit as a community today,” Pasta said. More information is at www.thehalegallery.com.
