Lorenzo Viscidi and Michael Eldridge play chess together.

Their games are not scientific or logical, (they would drive a normal chess player crazy) but fast, chaotic and intuitive.

These players are evenly matched although their styles are different and both alternate between aggression and gentle passivity (if it suits their goal; that is to win).

These artworks are a similar meeting point for them.

They also draw on both the unconscious and the intuitive and from the broad, random field of experience, not from design or intellect or dialogue.

They are surprises, and in a certain way, awakenings.

They were all formed during three intense days in August 2005.

They were photographed, catalogued and divided between the two of them, one half going to Lorenzo’s studio in Padova, the other half remaining in Michael’s studio in Le Marche.

There was no conflict in the choice of who should take which paintings.

No desire to win, as in their games of chess.

The cards fell evenly.

Lorenzo Viscidi
Michael Eldridge

November 2005