Joseph Piasentin is a professor of painting and drawing at Pepperdine University, where he is known for encouraging his students to take full responsibility for every artistic decision they make. His own work, rooted in Abstract Expressionism, developed during a time when the genre was in flux, challenged by movements such as Pop Art and a resurgence of realism. Piasentin’s paintings are deeply personal, evolving over time and revealing themselves gradually to the viewer.
His earlier works are confrontational, unsentimental explorations of memory, using the canvas as a space to examine his own life and experiences. These large-scale pieces often incorporate unconventional materials, such as corrugated cardboard, bird wire, and rice paper, creating layered textures that invite close inspection. The slow, deliberate process of construction in his work is meant to provoke reflection, both for the artist and the viewer, challenging them to examine personal feelings and memories.
A transformative stay in Costa Rica in 1998 marked a turning point in Piasentin’s artistic practice. Inspired by the new environment, he began to experiment with different imagery and color palettes, making his work more accessible while retaining its emotional depth. This shift broadened the appeal of his art, making it resonate with a wider audience.
In 2004, Piasentin’s work was documented through the support of Dr. Richard Gould, and his work is now included in the FOTM Archive, which holds extensive information about his artistic journey and contributions. Through his teaching and his own creative practice, Joseph Piasentin continues to explore the emotional and personal dimensions of painting, challenging both himself and his viewers to engage with art in a deeply introspective way.
