Maureen Gallace

Maureen Gallace is an American painter known for her quiet, intimate landscapes and seascapes that capture the beauty and nostalgia of the New England coast. 

Biography of Maureen Gallace

Maureen Gallace was born in 1960 in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. In 1981, she received a BFA from The Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT. Two years later, in 1983, she earned an MFA from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.

Gallace's paintings have been exhibited widely in solo exhibitions around the world, including venues such as Julian Pretto Gallery (New York), Kohn Turner Gallery (Los Angeles), Sprüth Magers (Munich), Maureen Paley (London), 303 Gallery (New York), Il Capricornio (Venice), and Kerlin Gallery (Dublin).

Her work has also been showcased in various group exhibitions, including "Slow Art/Painting in New York Now," curated by Alana Heiss, at PS1 Museum in New York (1992); "Ideal Standard Life" at Spiral/Wacoal Art Center in Tokyo (1996); "The Poetic Landscape" at Barbara Mathes Gallery in New York (2000); "Fifty Percent Solitude" at Kerlin Gallery in Dublin (2008); "High Ideals & Crazy Dreams" at Galerie Vera Munro in Hamburg (2010); "The Perfect Show" at 303 Gallery in New York (2012); "Attics of My Life" at Jack Hanley Gallery in New York (2017); and "For a Dreamer of Houses" at Dallas Museum of Art, TX, among others.

Currently, Maureen Gallace lives and creates in New York. 

Maureen Gallace's Art Style

Gallace specializes in creating intimately sized landscapes featuring houses and beaches, intentionally devoid of human presence. Her artistic inspiration stems from the serene rural landscapes of New England. To craft her masterpieces, Gallace employs a meticulous process that involves keen observation, deliberate omission, and attention to brushstroke, color, and composition.

Gallace's canvases breathe life into windowless white houses, barns, and beach shacks skillfully framed by surrounding trees or with a captivating view of the seashore. At first glance, these scenes exude an idyllic charm. Yet, with closer inspection, a subtle undercurrent of unease surfaces, adding a layer of intrigue to the otherwise picturesque setting. The absence of people within these landscapes imparts a solemn and solitary atmosphere, casting a melancholic hue over an otherwise picturesque setting.

In her artistic practice, Gallace skillfully employs wet-on-wet layers of oil paint on panels, resulting in paintings that proudly showcase visible brushstrokes. This technique deliberately flattens the perspective within the artwork, offering a unique and captivating visual experience. By purposefully excluding intricate details, she invites viewers to form their own personal connections and associations with the images, fostering an engaging and interactive encounter with her art. 

Critics have discerned intriguing parallels between Gallace's artwork and numerous luminaries from the annals of American painting and poetry. Many experts consider that her work relates to early American Modernist painting, especially Edward Hopper's representations of small towns and Milton Avery's abstracted seascapes. While her creations may exhibit certain lyrical themes reminiscent of her artistic and literary predecessors, it's essential to recognize that Gallace's paintings emerge from her unwavering and distinctive vision. Each piece represents a singular contemplation on stillness and structure, reflecting her profound dedication to her craft and her artistic identity.