An Exhibition of Works by Peter Greco Featuring a Collection of the Manuscript Leaves of Gonza Spalato
Written by Julie Faith
Among the Nahuan peoples the word “Tolteca” was synonymous with artist, artisan or wise man. Toltec have been known throughout southern Mexico as “women and men of knowledge” for many centuries. Anthropologists have spoken of the Toltec as a nation or a race, but in fact, the Toltec were scientists, warriors, and artists who formed a society to explore and conserve the spiritual knowledge and practices of the ancient ones. (crystalinks)
In Divine Write, now showing at LosJoCos through October 16th, Peter Greco channels the mystical essence of the Toltec. Well known in the LA street scene for his distinctive murals, his lettering style is immediately recognizable on walls and in galleries all over the city. Marrying an extensive background in graphic design with a detailed knowledge of mythical languages, ancient alphabets, and traditional hand-lettering, Peter Greco’s Divine Write leaves absolutely no doubt that he is in fact the “Man of Knowledge” when it comes to typography inspired design.
SEER, TOLTEC, WARRIOR, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
SEER, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Scroll by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Scroll by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Scroll by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Detail on Scroll by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Detail on Scroll by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Detail on Scroll by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
I found the artist himself to be accessible, friendly, and forthcoming. He spoke openly with me and other guests about his work including the origins of several of his original paintings on display, what he learned painting the two magnificent large-scale paper scrolls on display, and what it was like to devise an original alphabet. He described his plans for a graphic novel inspired by the Collection of the Manuscript Leaves of Gonza Spalato. Which, according to the materials on display, had been “hidden, feared and forgotten for centuries, these pages reconstruct and illustrate the life and thought of this previously unknown figure. That which emerges a legendary tale of peril and transformation expressed through symbolism, calligraphy and art. Beyond all conventional frames of reference, the content of this collection penetrates the heart of the mysteries of our being.”
To say I was captivated from the moment I arrived at the opening reception would be a gross understatement. I was immediately mindful that I was viewing the work of a master. A Toltec. The calibre of work in this show is exceptional. Exquisite color palettes, deliberate paint strokes, meticulously chosen words and phrases concealed within metaphysical symbols all encourage the viewer to look for deeper meaning. There is a lot to look at and every piece is infused with mystery and significance. From the zines, to the paintings, to Greco’s hand-embellished sport coat, to the manuscript; subliminal messages are everywhere.
Peter Greco’s Divine Write is a gorgeous, thoughtful, precise, spectacular show. You’ve only got one more weekend to view it in all it’s splendor. The exhibit continues at Losjocos through Sunday, October 16. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday, October 8, 9 and 15, 16 from 2-7pm and by appointment. Please call 213-221-7744 to set weekday appointments if desired.
LosJoCos Gallery
725 Kohler Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021
OCTOBER 1 – 16, 2016, OPENING RECEPTION: October 1, 2016 7-10pm
losjocos.com
Divine Write
PeterGrecoArt.com
Peter Greco discusses the Nidus Alphabet ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved(3)
Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved(1)
Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved(2)
Zines by Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
10 MYSTERIOUS OMENS, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
X MONOGRAM, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
WHERE THE THUNDER BEINGS LIVE, BEACON OF LIGHT, AS MUCH BY COURAGE AS BY SKILL, I WAKE UP IN THE DREAM, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
TOLTEC VELUM _ ESOTERIC INSTRUMENTS, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
The Manuscript of Spalato at Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
SPALATO _S_, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
SPACE TIME, MIND, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Scribal artifacts and implements at Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
REJOICE, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Personal Toltec Jacket, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
PENIS ENVY, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
NEBULO, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
MYSTIC FUTURISM, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
MERGE, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
Mayan Ritual Calendar at Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
LA COSMO,MAYAN RITUAL CALENDAR, ANCIENT ALIEN, SOPHORUM, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
INFINITE FLUX, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
GUERRIERO, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
FLOURISHES, CADELS and GOTH BUG, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
ESOTERIC INSTRUMENTS, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved
AN AFFAIR WITH LIFE, Peter Greco ©2016 Divine Write, Losjocos, Photo credit- JulieFaith, All rights reserved