Joseph Abbati is a San Francisco-based artist and curator whose work explores the complexities of identity through figurative art. His creative process blends digital and classical painting, using photographs as a foundation to craft compositions that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, often overlooked in a heteronormative society.

In 2023, Abbati presented "Shape Shifters" at Schlomer Haus Gallery, a solo exhibition featuring surreal portraits that depict figures in transition. One of these portraits was selected for "The de Young Museum Open." That same year, he curated and contributed to "VISIBLE" at 2358 MRKT Gallery, an exhibition celebrating Pride 2023. Supported by a grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission, Abbati created a series of portraits capturing the stories of twelve queer individuals from San Francisco. The exhibition also showcased works by over forty LGBTQ+ artists, forming a vibrant mosaic of queer expression across race, gender identity, sexuality, and culture.

Since 2017, Abbati has collaborated with the office of Senator Scott Wiener to curate twelve exhibitions at the State of California Building in San Francisco. These shows highlight Bay Area artists and address themes such as housing, nightlife, LGBTQ+ pride, and the experiences of Asian, Trans, LatinX, and Indigenous communities. His curatorial efforts have united over two hundred artists and welcomed thousands of guests, fostering a space for diversity and creative dialogue.

Through his evocative portraits and inclusive curatorial projects, Abbati transforms public spaces into platforms for visibility and connection, offering a profound exploration of identity and community.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Joseph Abbati's artistic process is a meticulous blend of digital and traditional techniques, rooted in a desire to tell authentic stories about identity and representation. His paintings begins with photography, which he uses as a foundational tool to capture his subjects' essence. Through digital manipulation, he composes images that emphasize specific facial features or parts of the body, isolating these elements to construct narratives about identity, transformation, and visibility.

Once the digital composition is complete, Abbati translates these images into vivid, photo-realistic paintings. His use of bold colors and surrealist references heightens the emotional resonance of each piece, inviting viewers to engage with the subject on a deeper level. This fusion of digital precision and painterly expression allows him to navigate the intersection of technology and fine art while reflecting the complexities of contemporary life.

Abbati's process is also deeply collaborative. Many of his subjects are members of the LGBTQ+ community whose stories often go unheard. By working closely with them, he ensures their voices are embedded within the artwork. This collaboration fosters a sense of trust and shared narrative, allowing his paintings to capture not just physical likenesses but also the emotional and social realities of his subjects.

Through his innovative process, Abbati bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds, creating artwork that challenges perceptions and amplifies marginalized voices. His work is both a technical exploration and a profound social statement, emphasizing the importance of visibility, identity, and human connection.