Lori Larusso: A Painter of Consumption, Waste, and Leisure

Lori Larusso's paintings explore themes of consumption, waste, gratification, and leisure through anthropomorphic desserts, floral vases, and everyday objects.

Her work showcases her unique ability to merge lush, flat, unblended areas of acrylic paint with her interest in these themes.

Larusso’s use of color, composition, and anthropomorphic subjects creates a visually striking and thought-provoking art form.

Her artwork is a reflection of her fascination with the human experience and the way we interact with our surroundings.

Larusso's style evolved significantly after leaving MICA, becoming more adept and nuanced.

Her work depicts an increasingly askew consumer-driven world riddled with false promises.

Larusso's conceptualization of particular themes can be humorous and thought-provoking, as in arranging broccoli stalks to make an oversized coiffed poodle.

Her paintings, such as "Bourbon Rocks on Red" (2025), remind me of the line in John Ashbery's poem, "Soonest Mended."

Larusso's Ladyface Vase series explores the power dynamics between women and men, the male gaze, and how society's notion of refinement can make a consumer want to possess an object modeled on a movie actress.

Larusso's artwork is a commentary on the human condition, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationships with consumption, waste, and leisure.