Who is Vincent Desiderio (really)?
Vincent Desiderio has a solid knowledge of two different matters: concept and technique. They usually operate in completely different ways, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but Desiderio has the superpower of merging thought and painting to such an extent that you would say they are the same thing. It’s not necessary to explain all his merits here, if you are reading this it’s because you already know that he is one of the great artists of our time. And, lucky us, he is an open guy with a remarkable vocation as an instructor.
However, in no way should you should take him for a usual teacher. It would be fairer to talk about him as a mentor, rather than as a teacher. He is an artist who talks about his experience from the field, not from a topic written by a bureaucrat just to fill a file. His intention is light years away from pretending to teach you.
You see, Vincent Desiderio wants to renew the pedagogical agenda of art –especially painting– in order to endow it with a purpose that goes beyond the mere acquisition of skills. His ambition is that you can express yourself with your own voice, and prevent yourself from the siren songs you will hear on your trip.
It’s clear that if you are interested in this anti-workshop it’s because you’re fed up with schools giving you the hateful blue pill while patting on your shoulder. You need someone with very clear ideas and his feet on the ground to open your eyes to what you really need, and how to get it for yourself, your way.
Well, Desiderio offers you the red pill: it will not be easy or comfortable, but it will be real.