PHILADELPHIA, PA.- In his second solo show at Projects Gallery, Henry Bermudez presents “Con La Mirada en el Cielo”. Bermudez continues his exploration of spiritually surreal imagery, combining his unique vision of pre-Colombian and Christian iconography. The complex arrangement of interlocking lines and colors are reminiscent of intricate Persian tapestries. The dense arrangement invites us to travel further into a realm of contemplation. Bermudez’s current body of work expands upon the tradition of cut-paper assemblage, in some cases expanding his surface to monumental proportions. The impressive scale confronts the viewer, while the subtle, enigmatic imagery draws one to “gaze to the heaven”.

An internationally exhibited artist, Bermudez’s work is in numerous museum and private collections throughout the world. He was the Venezuelan representative to the 1985 Venice Biennale. A solo exhibition of his work is scheduled at the National Museum of Catholic Art and History in New York City in 2009.

Paul Santoleri - “Subterranean / Basement” - Utilizing the unique exhibition possibilities of Project’s lower level, Paul Santoleri presents Subterranean / Basement. Featuring both large and small-scale works, as well as his site-specific wall paintings, the artist will be presenting for the first time a body of work created with day-glow paint. Through spontaneous and free-formed animalistic and vegetal hybrids, one is able to view the spirit of creative energy that exists in all living things. Santoleri invites us to discover an underground world of color and light and to visit a phantasmal environ of his imagination.

An international muralist, Santoleri’s studio work is in many public and private collections throughout Europe, Latin America and the U.S., including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He also has a con-current exhibition at the Thomas Eakins House in Philadelphia, which runs through June.

Both Con La Mirada en el Cielo and Subterranean / Basement open First Friday, May 2nd with artist receptions from 5-8 p.m. The exhibitions continue through May 31st, 2008. The reception is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon to 7 p.m. A preview of works may be viewed on the gallery’s website at www.projectsgallery.com.