Artist from USA
As a life-long environmentalist, Nic Galloro has been acutely aware of the quantity of waste produced by society. Within that refuse, he recognizes the design qualities intended for practical function, but taken our context, they become sculptural elements decoded differently by human perception. A narrative dialogue emerges from these juxtapositions. When a presence is achieved, the piece is finished.
As a youth, he believed in recycling. There was money to be made by finding empty soda bottles. He participated in the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. He was drawn to informational platforms concerning the subject of pollution. Because he lives by the shores of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay in the state of Maryland, USA, he physically sees the plastics in the water. The most startling vision was seeing floating wood and plastic debris behind the trapped waters of the Conowingo Dam a few miles away. When the flood gates were opened to release the excess water, a parade of plastic floated by. He thinks it was this vision that inspired him to create art, reflecting the experience. His aim is to hear viewers remark on the appearance of excessive plastics and hopefully raise awareness.
more. nicgallorogallery | strawberrylanestudio
INTERVIEW with Nic Galloro
Carmela Loiacono talks with Nic Galloro who takes part in the International Art Exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence in Matera, at cultural hypogeum Lega Navale Italiana Matera-Magna Grecia.
Carmela Loiacono – Please introduce yourself and talk about the selected sculptures: “Filling Up” and “Reap What’s Sown” you exhibited during the exhibition NATURAL FLOW – Exploring water’s essence.
Nic Galloro – My name is Dominic Galloro. I go by Nic Galloro as an artist name. I am a sculptor but also a life-long environmentalist. I am intrigued with the idea of using reclaimed materials to make artwork. Within that refuse, I recognize the design qualities intended for an industrial, practical function and can be manipulated; taken our context, they become sculptural elements. A narrative dialogue emerges from these arrangements.
Two particular artworks: Reap What Sewn and Filling Up express the sentiment that I wish to convey in my art. They both take the form of wall-mounted fish. Reap… is a comment on how manufactured human waste can find its way into living organisms. The title is a biblical reference about cause and effect. The other work shows the stomach of a fish completely full of the disposed waste. It is an exaggeration, but I wanted to emphasize the sense of excess waste in the environment. Both works were presented in Natural Flow, an exhibition of works with a similar theme in March 2025. Dr. Carmela Loiacono was kind enough to extend an invitation to exhibit these works at the Cultural Hypogeum Lega Navale Matera, Italia. She showed an in-depth understanding of the work and was most helpful with the logistics to make it all happen – a true pleasure.
Carmela Loiacono – How would you describe your creative process? What or who influenced or is influencing your work?
Nic Galloro – For me, the creative process is used to make visual statements. Art objects appeal to a different part of the brain. There is a lasting vision that may have a longer life than words.
Influence for me comes from the work of Robert Rauschenberg because he used non-traditional elements in his art. Christo Javachef taught me not to accept obstacles and limitations (I had the pleasure of working on his Surrounded Islands project). In Baltimore, MD is a museum dedicated to Visionary Art. It is a vast collection of artwork created by people with no formal training. The commonality is having a deep desire to create art.
I share that sentiment.
Carmela Loiacono – What do you think about shared art on social media? Could it be an alternative way of communicating contemporary art?
Nic Galloro – Yes, social media is a good way to expose artwork to a wide audience. The world has shrunk with the advent of technology.
Carmela Loiacono – What are your future goals and/or projects?
Nic Galloro – Currently I am refining a proposal for a three meter tall heron to be installed on the Seine river near Paris. Though only a sketch was required, I decided to build it regardless. It was challenging and exciting working in a larger size than I am accustomed to and using materials foreign to my experience.
Carmela Loiacono – We had the pleasure to meet in person in Matera, during the opening of the exhibition, did you enjoy cooperating with me? Did you like to stay in Matera?
Nic Galloro – The date of the exhibition was fortunate because we had intended to visit the city before I became aware of the show. Accommodations were arranged directly across the street from the museum so attending the opening was easy. After the event we spent a few enjoyable days in the ancient city.
