Ekphrasis

John Varriano gives us a front-row seat to familiar places that may be seen in new and unfamiliar ways. 

Bars can be very interesting and complex social environments, especially high-end bars that cater to the wealthy. Many of the patrons make all sorts of deals and transactions at these places. The flowing alcohol acts as a lubricant that lowers inhibitions and allows people to take chances that they normally would not engage in.

Aside from business, there is also pleasure, and these bars can draw all kinds of talent. Where there is heat, we may find smoke, and where there is smoke, there is usually fire. The result is that people can find themselves in occasionally messy situations. As such, the art of bartending involves far more than mixing a cocktail or pouring a drink. By far, the more important thing is how the bartender interacts with the patrons. In certain cases, a good bartender knows how to channel interactions between customers, to avoid what could become an embarrassing or chaotic situation. The bartender can also make introductions which might result in lucrative or pleasurable experiences.

The fellow at the center of this painting has spent many years mastering this social art. Along the way, he has interacted with the good, the bad, and the ugly of our society, and knows “where the bodies are buried."  True to it's name, the fellow in this painting is a "Keeper of Secrets."

This work was painted at a time when Varriano was painting in an expressionistic manner.  When creating this work, he used a number of preparatory reference sketches that he made on bar napkins at location where the scene takes place.