James Bartolacci: Life Without Night

"Life without Night" is James Bartolacci’s latest body of work and responds to the closure of nightlife during the pandemic. Night club venues and spaces were part of the cultural fabric that provided meaningful parameters for social affinity and self-affirmation. In reaction, Bartolacci has chosen the bedroom - an intimate setting to stage real-life, evocative scenes with friends. It was here they rediscovered the joy of dressing up, the intensity of music and the animated chatter that preambles the unique anticipation of a night out. Derived from these explorations and personal experience, "Life Without Night" is a series of 8 pastel drawings.

Believing nightlife is an art form in itself, Bartolacci sets out to honor the production that goes into each drawing. Often the emphasis is placed on the relationship between clubbing and belonging, whilst at others, the more sombre occasions of the night. Still lifes are realised as illuminated cups that are left behind when the party is over. The aftermath of a bodily presence, rather than the tangible presence of the body itself. These cups, in their isolated state, embody a loneliness and personify Bartolacci’s own feelings during lockdown. 

Through a vibrant, yet selective assembly of tones; atmosphere, colour and mood is captured - despite revellers no longer being present in the setting. The more abstracted drawings in the series, go further, somewhat erasing the figure from the evening landscape. Bartolacci’ stylistic choices are deliberate, and resonant of the voids within club-like gatherings. It is here, one catches glimpses of a figure they can’t quite grasp, and where movement, ambiance and visual saturation takes over.