Mary Vaccaro
www.MaryVaccaro.com
mpvaccaro@aol.com

Work Statement:

Mary Vaccaro is currently creating a series of paintings that document the rapidly changing landscape of the West Village.  These paintings, each consisting of two or three hinged panels, have biblical and mythological sub-themes and are intended to be viewed as modern altarpieces.  In her work, Vaccaro is seeking the place where abstraction and reality intertwine. The paintings seek to portray the feeling of existence with its many layers, superficial and deep, from the basic observable level to the subliminal and emotional language of mythic and cultural symbolism.  Her inspiration is found in Dutch prints - landscapes created around biblical narratives; literature, including Finnegans Wake; and Medieval books of hours, with their obsessive attention to detail contrasting with forced, unnaturalistic perspectives.  As a "street painter," Vaccaro finds her interactions with passers-by greatly amplify the painting experience, adding further dimension to her work.

Born:
Staten Island, New York

Lives and Works:
New York, New York

Education:
The Cooper Union, New York, NY, BFA

Teachers:
Julie Lombardo, Tottenville High School
An extraordinary art teacher who was able to bring nude models into a public high school.

Niki Logis, Cooper Union, Sculpture Teacher
"It's a strange courage
you give me ancient star:
Shine alone in the sunrise
Toward which you lend no part!'
(William Carlos Williams, from "El Hombre")

Exhibitions:

Art Scene Today. On-line gallery juried exhibition, finalist. "CityScapes" September 2010
Westbeth Gallery, New York, New York. "The West Village, The Artist's View"  August 2008

Press and Recognition:

Minichello, Michael. "West Village Original:  Mary Vaccaro."  WestView Nov. 2009, p. 17
Carra, Mallory. "Park Land." Daily News July 18, 2008, Your Home, p. 6
Lombardi, Kristen. "Undulating Facades."  Village Voice May 10-16, 2006, p. 18
Father Edward Beck.  "That's the Spirit." 10 minute interview on local cable channel, first aired 2/18/2005