International People in the Know
- pause means no (2013)
- i’ll think about it means no (2013)
- we’ll talk about it means no (2013)
- non capisco conta no (2013)
- ja marr betehent nee (2013)
- no is no (2013)
- nothing is yes (2013)
- they all live alone (2008)
- we’ll see means no (2013)
Artist’s Statement
International People in the Know is my reflection on interpersonal relations in today’s world. I have chosen both fictitious faces as well as actual faces of real people in my life. The backgrounds suggest no clue as to place, identity or nature of the conversation. I offer only the finality of the implied statement. In some of the faces there is a lingering hint of relating the knowing implication of their comments. Others possess only a sense of innocent use of common use phrases, with special emphasis on the observation that all serious conversations eventually lead to a confirmed answer form of ‘no’.
Vito Desalvo was originally from Pittsburgh, PA and went through art training at Carnegie Mellon University. He moved to Chicago in the late 1970’s and has been creating artwork there ever since. While he has somewhat friendly relations with the local gallery world, he has chosen to go his own path. Vito continues to live in Chicago and still speaks to people. Most have vague positive comments to say about him.