Unforgotten Memories: The collection of information gained from past learning or experience that is stored in a person's mind…or in this case in our hearts.  

A retrospective of renowned Pasadena Artist Phil Joanou will be celebrated at the gallery this coming December, 2011. Phil passed away this last year leaving us not only wonderful memories of a life lived out loud…but a collection of amazing images through his art.  Joanou work displays allegorical themes on a large scale basis.  His figurative work illustrates the human condition that is full of wonder.  Using both classical and contemporary references, Joanou narrates complex psychological and situational issues with his figures as the central focus.  “My first influence is the world as it is now—I record and document what I know about contemporary culture and my work has been influenced by many aspects of modern society including film, advertising, music, news and graphic design.”-Phil Joanou.

Phil Joanou classified his work into different series usually depicting either “Women” or “Allegory.”  The women Joanou paints are not your stereotypical beauties, however, through the use of extremely feminine surroundings, wallpaper and robes full of blooming flowers, the beauty of the atmosphere reflects upon the women and their inner, eternal brilliance.  Their internal emotions are shown through expressive facial gestures that range from contempt to content.  Joanou celebrates women in their natural emotive states. 

Allegorical themes are the framework of many of Phil Joanou’s paintings, combining familiar yet restructured subject matter with a creative and unique style. "The originality of Joanou’s work is that he depicts profound visual subjects peppered with tongue-in-cheek humor and superb artistic skill in a style that is all his own." Art critic, Roberta Carasso, Ph.D.  Often times when left without a model, Joanou looks no farther than to a mirror using himself as a reference for his figures developing a “Where’s Waldo” type diversion for viewer’s to try and spot Joanou in his own work: just another sprinkle of the cunning humor he provides.

Phil Joanou’s work will inspire, provoke, engage and mesmerize.