Turning away 

Joseph Lorusso created this enigmatic painting, “Turning Away”, using oil on canvas. The composition is immediately striking; its somber palette and soft brushstrokes evoke a sense of intimacy, while the woman’s averted gaze invites contemplation. We see a figure obscured, a sense of retreat emphasized by the tonal range, predominantly a dark and warm spectrum. Note how Lorusso uses the materiality of oil paint. The texture is built up, creating depth and shadow. The woman's posture and hand gesture, seemingly shielding her face, create a sign of vulnerability and introversion. This recalls broader themes of modern alienation, where the individual is often depicted in conflict with their environment or internal state. Ultimately, “Turning Away” doesn’t offer easy answers, but it presents a study in the poetics of concealment. Its power lies in its formal qualities and the way these elements converge to stir a deep emotional landscape, opening a space for viewers to project their interpretations onto the canvas.