Paul Romano is a fine artist and designer working and living in Philadelphia. Romano’s work spans many mediums and aesthetics, nodding to art history and imbued with abstract narrative. He has worked with many aggressive bands across multiple albums, including Mastodon, dälek, Hate Eternal, The Red Chord, and Withered to name a few.
“The Rider” (Withered)
2008, Charcoal, ink on Rives BFK Tan 20×20”
“Withered is a band near and dear to me. I’ve worked with them since their 2003/2004 demo. Mike (vocals, guitar) and I see eye to eye on the themes he chooses for each album. This image was the cover for the CD version of Folie. Folie Circulaire translates to cyclical madness. I thought about being your own worst enemy, caught in the dramas we make for ourselves time and time again.
The Rider appeared only in the gatefold of the LP version. The Rider’s cycle of madness comes from believing their own sense of importance; riding in grandiosity, blind and impaired to see or feel the reality surrounding them.”
Available as a museum quality Giclee Print in three sizes.